Creamy Mushroom Orzo Skillet (Printer View)

Orzo and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, enriched with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. Cozy, one-pan comfort.

# 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 (cremini, button, or shiitake)
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more 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 crushed red pepper flakes, optional

# Method:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy enough for weeknights with just one pan required
  • Rich creamy texture yet secretly light thanks to orzo and vegetables
  • Loaded with mushrooms and savory flavor that pleases even meat lovers
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs greens or dairy alternatives if needed
02 -
  • High in protein from cheese and mushrooms
  • Excellent for meal prep stays creamy when reheated
  • Flexible for dietary swaps like vegan or gluten free
03 -
  • Let the mushrooms cook undisturbed before stirring for the first few minutes so they brown instead of steaming
  • Always grate Parmesan fresh rather than using pre shredded for the smoothest melt and deepest flavor
  • Add the cream over gentle heat to avoid breaking the sauce and keep everything extra silky

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