Prepare to fall in love with the most irresistible pasta dish that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary! This Creamy Orzo with Mushrooms and Parmesan is a culinary masterpiece that combines the delicate texture of orzo pasta with rich, earthy mushrooms and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds – and asking for the recipe!
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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: orzo pasta, vegetable broth, sliced mushrooms, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the broth.
- Stir the orzo gently and reduce the heat to medium. Allow the pasta to cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the orzo is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet 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 have released their moisture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the orzo is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the vegetable broth, then drain the remaining liquid from the pasta.
- Add the drained orzo to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms. Stir to combine the ingredients well.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and the reserved vegetable broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the orzo is creamy.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy orzo warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting consistency. Pre-packaged grated cheese won't give you the same creamy result.
- Don't overcook the orzo – aim for al dente to maintain the perfect texture. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid while simmering with the cream.
- Choose a variety of mushrooms for more complex flavor. Mix cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for an elevated taste profile.
- Reserve some pasta cooking liquid as a backup in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency. The starchy broth helps create a silkier sauce.
- For extra richness, try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the mushrooms or a touch of fresh thyme for an aromatic boost.
- This dish is best served immediately while hot and creamy. If you need to reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce's consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
