Creamy Spinach Mushrooms (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Key Components

01 - 200 g (1 cup) orzo pasta
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 small onion, chopped finely
05 - 3 minced garlic cloves
06 - 225 g (8 oz) mushrooms, thinly sliced (your pick: button, cremini, etc.)

→ Liquids and Veggies

07 - 480 ml (2 cups) of chicken or vegetable broth
08 - 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream or milk
09 - About 3 cups (90 g) of chopped fresh spinach

→ Flavors and Toppings

10 - 25 g (1/4 cup) of grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp thyme leaves if fresh
12 - Salt and ground pepper, add as much as you like
13 - Lemon wedges (optional, for squeezing at the end)

# Instructions:

01 - Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onion and cook for a couple of minutes until soft. Throw in the garlic and give it about 60 seconds, just until it's fragrant. Stir in the mushrooms and let them cook down for about 5 minutes until they’re golden and the juices are gone.
02 - Pour the orzo into the pan and stir until it’s coated well in the butter and oil. Let it lightly brown for a minute or two, stirring every so often.
03 - Add the broth to the skillet, give everything a quick stir, and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 8–10 minutes. Give it the occasional stir, and once the liquid is mostly soaked up and the orzo is soft, it’s ready for the next step.
04 - Toss in the spinach and stir until it wilts down. Then pour in the milk or cream and stir it all together until the sauce turns silky and coats the orzo.
05 - Mix the Parmesan cheese and thyme into the skillet. Add salt and pepper until it tastes just right.
06 - Serve warm, and if you like, sprinkle a little more Parmesan and squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top.

# Notes:

01 - For a heartier option, mix in cooked shrimp, chicken, or crispy bacon.
02 - Leftovers can go in the fridge in a sealed container for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

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