Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

1 cup arborio rice or orzo pasta

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.

Step 2: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and browned.

Step 4: Add the arborio rice or orzo to the pot, stirring to combine it with the mushroom mixture. Allow it to toast for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the rice or orzo is submerged in the liquid.

Step 6: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice or orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 7: Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 8: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the mushrooms and cook until the liquid evaporates before adding broth.

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid a thin texture.

Try adding spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.

Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, and add your favorite herbs like rosemary for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well; however, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells. Adjust cooking times accordingly and make sure there is enough liquid to cook the pasta through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or substitute arborio rice, which is naturally gluten-free. Also, ensure that your broth is gluten-free by checking the label.