Enjoy this Creamy Mushroom Orzo, a comforting dish packed with deep umami flavor. It brings a taste of warmth and richness to your table, perfect for a cozy meal.
Author:Eleanor Langley
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian Inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
3 cups vegetable broth, warm
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian substitute)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and brown, about 8-10 minutes.
Add shallot and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir and toast for 1 minute.
If using wine, pour it in and cook until it evaporates, stirring constantly.
Add the warm vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle, similar to making risotto. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
Once the orzo is tender and creamy, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if you are not keeping this dish strictly vegetarian.
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of truffle oil at the end.
Richard often reminds me that the quality of the mushrooms makes all the difference in this dish.