Description
This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo is a quick and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender orzo pasta cooked directly in vegetable broth with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, then finished with rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a luscious, creamy texture. Garnished with fresh parsley, this meal is both simple to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing your vegetables.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, releasing its sweet aroma and softening.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and continue cooking until they are softened and have released their moisture, enhancing their flavor.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta, then pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer Orzo: Reduce the heat to low and let the orzo simmer gently, uncovered, until it is tender and has absorbed most of the broth, about 10 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
- Season: Taste and season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Use vegetable broth low in sodium if you want to reduce salt intake.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese is labeled vegetarian-friendly.
- Stir frequently while simmering the orzo to prevent sticking.
