One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe
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
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
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, preparing the base for sautéing.
- 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.
- Cook mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften and release their moisture, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning based on your preference.
- 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