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Creamy Orzo Recipe with Savory Mushrooms in 30 Minutes

creamy orzo - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot dish featuring tender orzo pasta in a creamy sauce with caramelized mushrooms. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 8 ounces mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), cleaned and sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mushrooms: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove the mushrooms and set aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
  3. Toast the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and let it toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
  4. Add the liquid: Pour in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and, if using, 1/4 cup of white wine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Create the creamy sauce: Once the orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the mushrooms: Fold the cooked mushrooms back into the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Finish with parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
  8. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the orzo to avoid a mushy texture.’, ‘Caramelize the mushrooms for maximum flavor.’, ‘Use fresh ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, and parsley for the best taste.’, ‘Stir the orzo often while cooking to release its starch and create a creamy texture.’, ‘Customize the dish with red pepper flakes, truffle oil, or seasonal vegetables.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy orzo, mushroom pasta, quick dinner, one-pot meal, vegetarian recipe, comfort food