Imagine a dish so creamy, so rich, and so incredibly satisfying that it transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience. Our Creamy Orzo with Mushrooms is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines the tender bite of perfectly cooked orzo, the earthy depth of golden mushrooms, and a luxurious cream sauce that will have you swooning with every forkful. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup of orzo pasta
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of orzo pasta, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.
- While the mushrooms are cooking, bring the 2 cups of vegetable broth to a simmer in a separate pot. This will help the orzo cook evenly.
- Once the mushrooms are ready, add the 1 cup of orzo pasta to the saucepan with the mushrooms. Stir well to combine and allow the orzo to toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes.
- Next, pour the simmering vegetable broth over the orzo and mushrooms. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the orzo is cooked, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season the creamy orzo with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Let the orzo sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve the creamy orzo in bowls, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious creamy orzo with mushrooms!
Tips
- Choose the right mushrooms: Fresh cremini or shiitake mushrooms work best for deep, rich flavor.
- Toast the orzo before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones and prevent mushiness.
- Use warm broth when adding to the pasta to ensure even cooking and prevent temperature shock.
- Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.
- For extra richness, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if needed.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference—avoid pre-grated varieties for the best melting and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
