Prep Time
10 mins
Servings
4 Servings
Cook Time
20 mins
Difficulty
Easy
A simple one-pan vegetarian dinner that combines earthy mushrooms, wilted spinach and bright lemon with creamy orzo. Ready in around 30 minutes, it is ideal for weeknights.
Ingredients
2tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
300g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
300g orzo
2 vegetable stock cubes
100ml single cream (can use crème fraîche or lactose-free cream)
100g baby spinach, roughly chopped if leaves are large
40g Parmesan, grated (reserve a little to serve)
1 lemon, zested and juiced
salt (to taste)
black pepper (to taste)
fresh parsley, chopped (to garnish)
Method
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 2
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and most of their liquid has evaporated.
Step 3
Bring a kettle to boil and make the vegetable stock in a jug by pouring 900ml boiling water to 2 vegetable stock cubes.
Step 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5
Add the dry orzo to the pan and stir for 1 minute to coat the grains in oil.
Step 6
Pour in the hot vegetable stock, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the stock is absorbed. If it looks dry before the orzo is cooked, add a splash more stock or water.
Step 7
Stir in the single cream, grated Parmesan, lemon zest and lemon juice, then fold in the baby spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the sauce is creamy. If the mixture is very thick, loosen with a tablespoon or two of hot stock.
Step 8
Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately scattered with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan if liked.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
Energy - 482kcal
Protein - 18g
Carbohydrates - 67g
Fat - 16g
Fibre - 4g
This nutritional information is provided as a helpful estimate. Values may vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes you use.
Recipe Notes
If you prefer lighter, substitute single cream with low-fat crème fraîche and reduce the Parmesan.
