Imagine a dish so irresistibly creamy, so bursting with rich garlic and earthy mushroom flavors, that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Orzo Bake is not just a recipe—it's a one-pan wonder that promises to become your new comfort food obsession. With a perfect blend of tender orzo, golden mushrooms, and a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, this Italian-inspired dish will have your family and friends begging for seconds before they've even finished their first bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Pour uncooked orzo into the skillet and stir to coat with garlic and mushroom mixture, toasting the pasta for 1-2 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, stirring to create a creamy consistency.
- Transfer the orzo mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve hot as a main dish or side, enjoying the creamy, cheesy, and aromatic mushroom orzo.
Tips
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture. Cremini or button mushrooms work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Don't rush the mushroom sautéing process—letting them brown creates deeper, more complex flavors.
- Toast the orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones.
- Use a good quality vegetable broth for more depth of flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish—it adds a bright, fresh note to the rich dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 95mg
