Description
A quick and comforting one-pot dinner featuring sautéed mushrooms, tender orzo pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (170 g) orzo pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mushrooms (cremini, baby bella, or white button)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Clean mushrooms by wiping with a damp cloth or paper towel and slice evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté for about 2 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and moisture is released.
- Add orzo pasta and stir to coat with oil and mushroom flavor.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender but slightly al dente. Add more broth if needed.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped thyme until sauce thickens and is creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper gradually, tasting as you go.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, cover and let sit for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve warm immediately.
Notes
If the orzo thickens too much after resting, stir in a splash of broth or water before serving. Use fresh Parmesan for best melting and flavor. For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup per serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: one-pot, mushroom orzo, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, quick meal, vegetarian