Creamy Mushroom Spinach Couscous

Name: Creamy Mushroom Spinach Couscous
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup couscous; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 4 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Fresh lemon juice (to taste)

Highlighted under: Wholesome Healthy Meals Recipes

I absolutely love preparing this Creamy Mushroom Spinach Couscous, as it combines comfort food with vibrant flavors and textures. The creamy sauce beautifully envelops the fluffy couscous, while sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach add depth and nutrition. It's a perfect dish for busy weeknights or a cozy gathering with friends. Plus, it comes together in just under 30 minutes! I often find myself improvising with additional herbs or spices, making this recipe truly adaptable to my mood and the season.

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-19T21:29:34.519Z

When I first made Creamy Mushroom Spinach Couscous, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. The secret is using good quality vegetable broth, which really enhances the overall dish. I also love the way the creaminess balances with the earthiness of mushrooms, creating a comfort food experience everyone loves.

One of my favorite tricks is to add a splash of lemon juice right before serving. It brightens the dish and elevates the flavors, making it feel fresh. I encourage you to play around with additional ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or nuts for extra flavor and texture!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy texture that’s utterly satisfying
Packed with nutrients from fresh spinach and mushrooms
Quick and easy to make for a delicious weeknight dinner

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Couscous

Cooking couscous correctly is key to achieving the fluffy texture we desire in this dish. When you bring the vegetable broth to a boil, ensure it’s truly bubbling before adding the couscous; this step helps the grains start cooking right away. After removing from heat, let the couscous steam for five minutes covered. This resting period allows the grains to absorb moisture evenly, leading to a tender and fluffy result. Fluff it gently with a fork to prevent clumping.

If you’re looking to elevate the flavor of your couscous, consider substituting the water or vegetable broth with a splash of white wine or adding a bay leaf during cooking. Both methods impart additional depth without overshadowing the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce that follows.

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The richness of the sauce plays a pivotal role in this recipe, thanks to the combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. When cooking the mushrooms, sauté them until they have a golden brown color and have released their moisture, around five minutes. This not only enhances their flavor but also contributes to a more concentrated sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess.

Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish beautifully, balancing the richness of the sauce. Don’t hesitate to adjust the acidity to your liking; a little zest on each plate before serving goes a long way in elevating the flavors.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, this Creamy Mushroom Spinach Couscous stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Upon reheating, you might notice the couscous has absorbed some of the creaminess. Simply add a splash of vegetable broth or a few spoonfuls of cream while heating to restore its silky texture. The stovetop is the best method for reheating, allowing for gentle warming without overcooking the ingredients.

For meal prep enthusiasts, you can cook the couscous and sauce separately and store them until ready to serve. This allows for easier integration into your weekly meals without compromising flavor or texture, maintaining the dish's appeal throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Couscous

1 cup couscous
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
4 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Fresh lemon juice (to taste)

Steps

Prepare the Couscous

In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in couscous and olive oil, then cover and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the couscous is fluffy. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper.

Make the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown, around 5 minutes.

Combine Everything

Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until the sauce is slightly thickened.

Serve

Combine the cooked couscous with the mushroom and spinach sauce. Toss well to combine. Adjust seasoning as needed and finish with a splash of lemon juice before serving.

Pro Tips

For a vegetarian version, swap the butter for olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a plant-based alternative. Feel free to experiment with the type of mushrooms to suit your taste.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms in this recipe. Shiitake, cremini, or even portobello can each impart unique flavors, giving you an opportunity to switch things up based on what’s available in your pantry or at the farmer's market. In addition, adding a protein, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, can turn this side into a hearty main dish.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions or tweaking the seasoning with fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end. This not only adds a new dimension of flavor but also complements the fresh spinach beautifully.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce appears too runny after combining the cream and cheese, increase the heat slightly and let it simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes. This will allow excess moisture to evaporate, thickening the sauce. Always ensure you’re stirring during this process to prevent any sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.

Conversely, if the sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a bit more vegetable broth or water until you reach the desired consistency. This flexibility means you're not confined to a strict texture and can always adjust based on your preference.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ What can I substitute for couscous?

You can use quinoa or bulgur wheat as a substitute for couscous.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be great additions for extra protein.