creamy mushroom orzo skillet (Printable Version)

Orzo cooked in a rich mushroom sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs for a satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 14 ounces mixed mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini, button, or shiitake)
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus additional for garnish

→ Grains & Dairy

07 - 1 1/4 cups orzo pasta
08 - 3 cups vegetable broth, warmed
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

→ Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
03 - Add sliced mushrooms and thyme. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta and toast lightly for 1 to 2 minutes.
05 - Pour in warmed vegetable broth, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
07 - Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is creamy.
08 - Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir in chopped parsley. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley as preferred.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Easy one-pan recipe means less clean-up
  • Creamy without being heavy so it feels comforting but balanced
  • Flexible use any mix of mushrooms or fresh herbs you like
  • Ready in just over 30 minutes for stress-free weeknight cooking
02 -
  • This dish is naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt to vegan or gluten-free diets
  • Mushrooms offer a satisfying meaty texture and boost umami in a meatless meal
  • Cooked orzo absorbs all the mushroom and herb flavors so every bite is creamy and delicious
03 -
  • Use a nonstick skillet to avoid sticking and to make cleanup fast
  • Never skip toasting the orzo as it gives subtle nuttiness you cannot get otherwise
  • Hold off on the final pinch of salt until after the cheese melts in so you do not oversalt

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