One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This one-pot creamy mushroom orzo is a comforting and easy meal that comes together quickly. With tender mushrooms, rich cream, and cheesy Parmesan, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. Step 3: Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened.
4. Step 4: Stir in the orzo and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is cooked, about 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use cremini or shiitake mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter dish.
• Add cooked chicken or spinach for extra protein and greens.
• Toast the orzo briefly in olive oil before adding broth to enhance its nutty flavor.

Storage

Store leftover creamy mushroom orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, chicken broth can be used if you prefer a non-vegetarian option. It will add a richer flavor to the dish.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking together?

Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking and keep an eye on the liquid level. Adding enough broth and stirring well after adding the cream helps keep it creamy and separate.

One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo is a comforting and easy-to-make meal combining tender orzo pasta with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and onions, finished with a rich, creamy blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this flavorful dish is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo and Broth

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Seasoning

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil: In a large pot, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, preparing the base for sautéing.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Cook mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften and release their moisture, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Add orzo and broth: Stir in the orzo pasta, then pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Simmer orzo: Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Incorporate cream and cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
7. Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning based on your preference.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Notes

• Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or substitute with chicken broth if preferred.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
• To enhance umami, add a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce while cooking mushrooms.
• Ensure to stir frequently once orzo is added to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or cream.

Keywords: one-pot, creamy mushroom orzo, easy dinner, vegetarian, Italian pasta recipe, orzo pasta, creamy pasta, mushroom recipe