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To make One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Parmesan Orzo, you'll need some simple ingredients. Here’s a list of what you should gather: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (like cremini or button) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a lighter choice) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. The orzo pasta gives it a hearty base. Olive oil adds rich flavor. Onion and garlic bring in a nice aroma. Mushrooms give depth and texture. Vegetable broth makes it all come together. Heavy cream makes the dish creamy and dreamy. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Thyme gives a touch of earthiness. Finally, salt, pepper, and parsley brighten the dish. Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will help you move quickly and easily through the cooking process. Enjoy the fun of creating a delicious meal! - Sautéing Onion and Garlic Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this mixture for an extra minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt. - Cooking the Mushrooms Now, it’s time to add the fun part—8 ounces of sliced mushrooms. You can use cremini or button mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they turn a lovely golden brown and release their moisture. This step adds depth to the dish. - Adding Broth and Orzo Once the mushrooms are cooked, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This is important! After it boils, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and stir well. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then. The orzo should be tender but not mushy. - Finalizing the Creamy Sauce When the orzo is ready, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken a bit. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the sauce get even creamier. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Parmesan Orzo! It's rich, warm, and so comforting. I love using cremini or button mushrooms. These types give a rich flavor. You can also try shiitake for a bolder taste. Make sure to slice them evenly for even cooking. This helps them brown nicely. If you want a lighter dish, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It still tastes great! For extra creaminess, add more cheese. Start with half a cup and then adjust to your liking. Always taste your dish while cooking. Add salt and pepper little by little. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for more flavor. A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish up too. Orzo cooks fast, so watch it closely. Stir often to prevent sticking. You want it al dente, which means it should still have a bite. If you overcook it, it becomes mushy. Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce get thicker. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a bit longer. Adding more cheese also helps thicken the sauce. {{image_2}} Using coconut cream is a great way to make this dish dairy-free. It adds a rich, creamy texture without any milk. Just swap out the heavy cream for an equal amount of coconut cream. You’ll still get that luscious feel but with a unique taste. Adding vegetables can boost the nutrition and flavor. Consider mixing in spinach or peas. Spinach wilts nicely and adds color. Peas bring a sweet pop to each bite. You can toss these veggies in during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they stay bright and vibrant. Herbs and spices can enhance the dish. Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. Adjust these to your taste for a personal touch. Incorporating proteins is another way to make this meal heartier. You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. Just sauté the proteins with the onions and garlic to infuse their flavors. This makes for a filling dish that satisfies any appetite. To store your leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Then, place the orzo in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream. This helps keep the orzo creamy. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming. For freezing, let the orzo cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container or bag to store it. This dish can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, move the orzo to the fridge to thaw overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave. Reheat it on the stove with a bit of broth or cream for the best taste. Yes, you can use other small pasta types, like ditalini or acini di pepe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly. To make this dish vegan, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can pair this orzo with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. A slice of crusty bread also goes well, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This blog post covered making a creamy mushroom parmesan orzo dish. You learned about the ingredients, from orzo pasta to Parmesan cheese. We explored step-by-step methods to achieve the perfect texture. You also discovered ways to customize the dish and tips for storing leftovers. In closing, this orzo recipe is easy to follow and fun to make. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own!

One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Parmesan Orzo

Savor the rich flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Parmesan Orzo, the perfect dish for busy weeknights! With garlic, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy Parmesan, it’s a comforting bowl of goodness ready in just 25 minutes. Discover how easy it is to make this delicious meal that pleases everyone. Dive into the recipe and bring warmth to your dinner table with this quick and easy one-pot wonder! Click to explore now!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a lighter option)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and have released their moisture.

        Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

          Once boiling, add the orzo and stir well. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.

            Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

              Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken further.

                Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese on top and a few sprigs of parsley for color. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread on the side!