One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This one-pot creamy mushroom orzo is a comforting and easy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With tender mushrooms, rich cream, and cheesy Parmesan, it’s full of flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.

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, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened, around 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the orzo and vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat and simmer until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the dish is creamy and well combined.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor if not vegetarian.
• Try adding spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• To enhance mushroom flavor, add a splash of white wine before simmering the orzo.

Storage

Store any 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 restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or ditalini work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This version contains dairy, but you can make it vegan by using plant-based cream and cheese substitutes and using vegetable broth as listed.

One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

This comforting One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo is a quick and easy dish that combines tender orzo pasta with sautéed mushrooms, aromatic garlic and onion, all simmered in a rich vegetable broth and finished with creamy Parmesan and heavy cream. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, it’s both flavorful and fuss-free.

• Author: Lena
• 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

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Orzo and Broth

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Vegetables

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Oil

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasoning and Garnish

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
2. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onions become translucent, about 3-5 minutes, releasing their flavors.
3. Cook mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they soften and release their moisture, roughly 5 minutes.
4. Add orzo and broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a boil to cook the pasta.
5. Simmer orzo: Reduce the heat to low and let the orzo simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, approximately 10 minutes.
6. Stir in cream and cheese: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
7. Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground pepper according to your preference to balance the flavors.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or substitute with chicken broth if preferred.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but the texture might be less creamy.
• You can add spinach or peas for extra greens and color.
• Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo pasta alternative.

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