Creamy Orzo with Mushrooms
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
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- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Calories
- 710
- Total Fat
- 28 grams
- Saturated Fat
- 11 grams
- Cholesterol
- 48 milligrams
- Sodium
- 984 milligrams
- Carbohydrates
- 85 grams
- Dietary Fiber
- 5 grams
- Protein
- 31 grams
- Sugar
- 15 grams
- Total: 35 min
- Active: 35 min
Ingredients
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large leek (white and light green parts only), sliced and rinsed
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces orzo
3 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (about 6 ounces)
1 5-ounce package baby spinach (about 8 cups)
Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the mushrooms with 2 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper on a baking sheet.
- Spread out in a single layer. Roast, stirring halfway through, until well browned and crisp around the edges, about 25 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes, then scrape up with a spatula and transfer to a bowl.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the leek and garlic, season with salt and pepper and cook until the leek softens, about 2 minutes. Add the orzo, 2 cups water, the milk, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and add the cheese, spinach, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon parsley. Stir until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts; add a splash of water if the mixture is too thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the mushrooms with the lemon zest and remaining 1 tablespoon parsley. Divide the orzo among bowls and top with the mushroom mixture.