Indulge your senses with a dish that promises to transport you straight to the heart of Italy—Creamy Garlic Mushroom Orzo! This delightful recipe combines the rich flavors of sautéed mushrooms and garlic with the creamy goodness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, all enveloped in tender orzo pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Ready to impress your family and friends with a culinary masterpiece that’s as simple as it is delicious? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping mushrooms into thin slices, mincing garlic cloves finely, and measuring out all other ingredients precisely.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown and slightly caramelized.
- Pour in the orzo pasta and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
- Cook the orzo for approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your mushrooms and mince the garlic in advance. This way, you can simply toss everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Choose the Right Pan: A large skillet or saucepan allows for even cooking and prevents the orzo from sticking together.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Sauté the garlic until it's just fragrant—too long can lead to bitterness. Keep an eye on it!
- Stir Occasionally: While the orzo is cooking, stir it occasionally to prevent it from clumping together and ensure even absorption of the broth.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dish seems too thick after adding the cream and cheese, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth to reach your desired creaminess.
- Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving can elevate the dish visually and add a burst of flavor.
- Pair with Wine: For a complete Italian experience, serve this dish with a glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
