One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe
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
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
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- 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.
- Cook mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they soften and release their moisture, roughly 5 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground pepper according to your preference to balance the flavors.
- 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