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Creamy Garlic Mushroom Orzo Recipe

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Orzo Recipe

4.7 from 5 reviews

A rich and comforting Creamy Garlic Mushroom Orzo recipe that combines tender sautéed mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and delicate orzo pasta in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mushrooms & Garlic:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 oz (340g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • ½ tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme

For the Orzo:

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: drizzle of truffle oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the sliced mushrooms, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender.
  2. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta directly to the skillet with the mushrooms and toast it lightly for 1–2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  3. Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes more until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  4. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Optionally, drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the top for an extra layer of flavor. Serve warm as a luxurious side dish or as a vegetarian main course.

Notes

  • Use fresh thyme if possible for best flavor; dried thyme can be substituted as noted.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Truffle oil is optional but adds a delicious earthiness to the dish.
  • Vegetable broth makes this recipe vegetarian; use chicken broth if preferred and not vegetarian.
  • Ensure you stir the orzo occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic mushroom orzo, mushroom pasta, creamy orzo, garlic mushrooms, easy vegetarian pasta, Parmesan orzo