Description
A creamy, comforting one-pot orzo with mushrooms recipe loaded with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
2 large garlic cloves, minced
Salt, to taste
Olive oil, as needed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons fresh thyme
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 pound mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
1/2 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
2 cups orzo pasta
3 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup full-fat heavy cream
Black pepper, to taste
1 medium onion, finely diced
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook half the mushrooms without stirring to brown one side, then flip and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden, then set aside. Repeat with remaining mushrooms.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pot. Add diced onion and cook until soft and lightly browned. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the white wine and simmer for about 5 minutes, scraping the pot to deglaze. Let most of the wine evaporate.
4. Add orzo, cooked mushrooms, room-temperature cream, and broth to the pot. Season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring frequently until orzo is tender and sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and mix in remaining tablespoon of butter and Parmesan cheese. If too thick, add a bit more broth. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
Add broth gradually while stirring to avoid soggy or gummy texture.
Avoid overcrowding mushrooms during cooking to ensure browning, not steaming.
Use room temperature cream and lower heat to prevent curdling.
Stir orzo frequently to prevent sticking and let dish rest after cooking to thicken sauce.
Best served fresh, but can be stored for 3–4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Reheat gently on stovetop with added cream or broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg