One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe
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
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
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- 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.
- Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté until they soften and release their moisture, approximately 5 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- 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