5 from 138 votes
Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Creamy Mushroom Orzo blends sautéed cremini mushrooms, aromatic shallots and garlic, and tender orzo pasta cooked in a combination of broth and milk. The dish is enriched with butter and Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta and mushrooms. Bright spinach is stirred in at the end to add freshness and color. This warm, creamy side or main is hearty and satisfying with a balance of umami from mushrooms and richness from dairy.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
18 mins
Total Time
28 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
317 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine:
Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
- 2 TBSP unsalted butter divided
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes optional, crushed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 shallot 1/4 cup minced, large
- 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt plus extra to taste, sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 2 cups spinach chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Slice mushrooms, cutting any extra large slices in half. Measure out remaining ingredients and set aside, this dish comes together super fast so it helps to have everything all ready to go!
- Melt 1 TBSP butter in a large pan (grab one that's deep enough for your orzo + sauce) over medium-high heat then add your sliced mushrooms.
- Sauté until tender, season with a small pinch of salt and pepper and red pepper flakes, then set aside.
- Add remaining butter to the pan and sauté your shallot and garlic until tender, adding the garlic towards the end to prevent burning. if extra butter is needed, feel free to add a little.
- Add your milk, broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir with a whisk to deglaze the pan.
- With your burner set to medium (I had mine set to 6) add the orzo and stir. Set timer for 10 minutes. Once the orzo starts to really boil and bubble, reduce heat to low (2 worked great on my stove) and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is al-dente or your ideal softness, remove from heat. Sauce will be thin and thicken as it cools. Add your parmesan, spinach, and mushrooms (saving some shrooms to garnish if you want to be all fancy)
- Season to taste as desired, garnish with reserved mushrooms and any additional cheese your heart desires and dig in while it's hot!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- If fresh shallots are unavailable, finely minced white or yellow onion can be substituted.
- Cremini mushrooms are recommended for their deeper flavor, but standard button mushrooms can be used as well.
- Using other small pasta shapes instead of orzo may require adjustments to cooking time and liquid amounts.
- Nutrition information is approximate and based on recipe calculations; please adjust as necessary.
Nutrition Information
Calories
317kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
38g
(13%)
Protein
16g
(32%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Cholesterol
31mg
(10%)
Sodium
962mg
(40%)
Potassium
548mg
(12%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
2112IU
(42%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
331mg
(33%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 317
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 317kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 31mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 962mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 548mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 2112IU | 42% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 331mg | 33% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.