Description
This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender mushrooms, creamy parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, it combines earthy flavors with a rich, smooth texture all made in a single pot to save time and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
Main Ingredients
- 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
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the fat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling, which creates a flavorful base for the dish.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent, softening and enhancing the sweetness of the onion.
- Cook mushrooms and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden brown, deepening the flavor.
- Toast the orzo/rice: Add arborio rice or orzo pasta to the pot and stir to combine with the mushroom mixture. Toast for 1-2 minutes to boost nuttiness and flavor.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the orzo/rice is fully submerged.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the orzo or rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and add additional salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Serve immediately garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the cremini mushrooms with button, portobello, or shiitake for varying flavor profiles.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Orzo works well in this recipe, but arborio rice adds extra creaminess due to its starch content.
- To reduce calories, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- This dish is best eaten fresh but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken or sautéed tofu after cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy mushroom orzo, one pot meal, easy dinner recipe, mushroom pasta, comfort food, vegetarian meal, creamy risotto style pasta
