One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo is a comforting and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. With tender mushrooms, creamy sauce, and tender orzo, it delivers rich flavors without much fuss or cleanup.

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 the mixture to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat and simmer until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy and well combined.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use baby bella or cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
• Try adding cooked chicken or spinach for extra protein and greens.
• Toast the orzo briefly before adding broth for a nuttier taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, chicken broth works well and will add a richer, savory flavor to the dish.

Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?

Parmesan adds a nice salty, umami flavor, but you can substitute with another hard cheese like pecorino or omit it for a dairy-free version.

One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 114 reviews

This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo is a rich and comforting pasta dish that combines tender orzo with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, all simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth and finished with creamy Parmesan and heavy cream. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

• Author: Dana
• 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 Cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Oils and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté until they soften and release their moisture, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Add orzo and broth: Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta followed by 2 cups of vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the orzo: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish with cream and cheese: Reduce heat to low, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
7. Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the dish will be less creamy.
• You can add cooked chicken or spinach for extra protein and nutrition.
• Keep stirring occasionally during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
• If the orzo absorbs too much liquid before being fully cooked, add a splash of vegetable broth or water.

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