Okay, let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good one-pot meal? I mean, seriously, anything that saves me from doing a mountain of dishes after a long day is a winner in my book. And this One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo? It’s like the MVP of my weeknight dinner rotation. It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, and the creamy, mushroomy goodness is just pure comfort food. I stumbled upon this recipe when I was searching for something quick and vegetarian, and wow, it’s become a total staple. No joke, even my picky eater loves it! Plus, it feels a little fancy, even though it’s secretly the easiest thing ever. Trust me, you’re gonna want to bookmark this one!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Quick and Easy Dinner
Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at under 40 minutes! That’s faster than ordering takeout, and way more satisfying. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you just can’t even.
Minimal Cleanup with One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Okay, this is the *real* reason I make this so often. Everything cooks in one pot! One! That means less scrubbing and more time relaxing. Hallelujah!
Rich and Flavorful One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
The creaminess is just… chef’s kiss! And the earthy mushrooms? They add such a depth of flavor. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. You really can’t beat it!
Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil – the good stuff! Then, 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (don’t stress too much about the size!). Grab 2 cloves of garlic, minced (I always add an extra one, shhh!). Next, 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms, 1 cup of orzo pasta, 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth, ½ cup of heavy cream (yes, heavy!), ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Got it all? Let’s cook!
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Sauté the Aromatics
First, let’s get that flavor base going! Heat up the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering (careful, it can splatter!), toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook ’em until they’re nice and softened, about 3-5 minutes. Your kitchen should already be smelling amazing!
Cook the Mushrooms
Now for the stars of the show: the mushrooms! Add those sliced beauties to the pot and cook until they’re browned and softened. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes, but keep an eye on them. They’ll release a lot of moisture, which is exactly what we want!
Simmer One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Alright, almost there! Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the vegetable broth. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure you stir it occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. The orzo is ready when it’s cooked through and most of the broth has been absorbed. Check for doneness – you want it al dente, not mushy!
Finishing the One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Time for the creamy magic! Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy – give it a good pinch! This is where you can really make it your own. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Garnish and Serve the One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Finally, garnish with that fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and watch it disappear! Seriously, this One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Get ready for some serious yum!
Tips for the Best One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Choosing the Right Mushrooms for Your One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Okay, so you don’t *have* to use cremini mushrooms. They’re my go-to, but feel free to experiment! Shiitake mushrooms add a really woodsy flavor, or you could use a mix for extra depth. Just remember, some mushrooms release more water than others, so you might need to adjust the cooking time a bit. Have fun with it!
Don’t Overcook the Orzo in Your One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
This is crucial! Nobody wants mushy orzo, trust me. You want it al dente – that means it should still have a little bite to it. Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes, and don’t be afraid to give it a taste. It’s better to undercook it slightly than to overcook it!
Adjusting the Creaminess of Your One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Want it extra creamy? Go ahead and add a splash more heavy cream! If you prefer it a bit lighter, use less. You can even use half-and-half if you’re feeling virtuous (though I won’t judge if you stick with the good stuff!). It’s totally up to you and your creamy-orzo dreams!
Variations on One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Adding Vegetables to Your One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Wanna sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Spinach is awesome – just stir in a handful or two right at the end until it wilts. Peas are another easy addition. Honestly, most veggies would work, so raid your fridge and get creative!
Making One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo Vegan
Yep, you can totally veganize this! Just swap out the heavy cream for plant-based cream (cashew cream is amazing!), and use your favorite vegan Parmesan cheese. Boom! Creamy, dreamy, and totally plant-based. Easy peasy!
Adding Protein to Your One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Need some protein? Grilled chicken or shrimp would be delicious stirred in. Or, for a vegetarian option, try adding some tofu or chickpeas. Just make sure they’re cooked before you add them in at the end. So good!
Serving Suggestions for One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Serving One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo with a Salad
Honestly, a simple green salad is all you need! Something with a light vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the orzo perfectly. Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra greens in!
Serving One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo with Bread
Crusty bread for dipping is a MUST! Seriously, you’ll want to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce. A baguette or some ciabatta would be amazing. Don’t skip this step!
Storing and Reheating Your One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
How to Store Leftover One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop the One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Perfect for a quick lunch!
Reheating One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Reheating is super easy! You can either microwave it (add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out!) or heat it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Just make sure it’s heated through before you dig in!
FAQs About One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Can I use different types of pasta for One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo?
Totally! Orzo is my fave, but other small pasta shapes work great too. Think ditalini or even small shells. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might need a little tweaking depending on the pasta you use. Keep an eye on it!
Can I freeze One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo?
Okay, so you *can* freeze it, but fair warning: the texture might change a bit after thawing. The cream sauce sometimes gets a little… grainy? Still totally edible, though! Best to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Is One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo gluten-free?
Sadly, traditional orzo is *not* gluten-free. But don’t despair! You can totally substitute with a gluten-free orzo pasta. There are some really good ones out there now, so give ’em a try! Just follow the package directions for cooking time, as it might differ from regular orzo.
Nutritional Information for One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and the nutritional info for this One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo can totally vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (like, different brands of broth, or how much cream you sneak in!). So, I can’t give you exact numbers, but just keep in mind it’s an estimate!
Enjoy Your One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo!
Alright, that’s it! I hope you love this One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo as much as I do. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think! And if you make it, snap a pic and share it – I’d love to see your creations!
Print
Disgustingly Delicious One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo in 40
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a simple and delicious One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Stir in orzo and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until orzo is cooked and broth is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can use different types of mushrooms.
- Add other vegetables, such as spinach or peas.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based cream and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
