Creamy Mushroom Orzo
We are experts in Orzo and this Creamy Mushroom Orzo hits every mark. Sautéed mushrooms with garlic, onions and thyme meet toasted orzo, cooked to perfection in a creamy chicken broth blend. This is one you’ll make one and then over and over again!
Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe
This recipe was inspired by a recipe on our other blog, but that recipe has chicken in it. I wanted to make a vegetarian recipe with just as much flavor. I made a couple modifications which give this recipe a restaurant quality taste, without the need for protein. Of course, if you wanted to, you could definitely add chicken or shrimp just as easily!
Ingredients:
- Mushrooms: I used pre sliced baby bellas. If you like whole mushrooms you could use those too.
- Onion: White or yellow.
- Butter/Olive Oil: The combination has a higher smoke point and gives all the flavor of butter, but without burning it.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Be mindful if you’re using salted butter so you don’t overdo it.
- Granulated Garlic: You can use fresh, however I find granulated works just as well in a one pan dish.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme adds so much flavor! Dried will work in a pinch.
- Orzo: Easy to measure, orzo is the perfect vessel for a one pan meal.
- Chicken Broth: For flavor. My favorite brand is Kitchen Basics.
- Evaporated Milk: Sounds odd, right? It’s my secret weapon for creamy one pan dishes. You combine chicken broth with evaporated milk and because of its high heat point it won’t curdle! You can use it in soups, chowders, etc.
Toast Orzo with Sautéed Mushrooms for Added Flavor
Sautee the mushrooms and onions in the butter/olive oil mixture along with the salt, pepper, garlic and thyme. Really let them get a good brown for the best flavor, medium high heat works best! Once the mushrooms are sautéed to perfection, add the orzo, and give it a good stir. This infuses the orzo with loads of mushroom flavor. Allow the orzo to become slightly toasted while it sautéed.
Evaporated Milk & Chicken Broth for Creaminess
A lot of recipes will use heavy whipping cream for a creamy texture. I like to keep my fat content lower than that allows, but also milk and heavy whipping cream can curdle. The solution? Use evaporated milk! It gives an easy creamy texture, and a deep rich flavor.
Use 1 part evaporated milk, 1 part chicken broth as a standard for creamy orzo dishes. You can modify this to your liking if you want it more or less creamy.
Cooking One Pan Orzo
Add the milk/broth mixture to the pan, and turn heat to low. Give it a good stir every 4-5 minutes to prevent sticking. Cover with a lid in between stirring. In about 12-15 minutes, the orzo will have absorbed all of the liquid, and you’re left with a creamy, easy mushroom orzo dinner!
I like to garnish with a little bit of cheese and parsley for color, but chef’s choice. My favorite cheese to garnish this with is Trader Joe’s Quattro Formaggio. It has a little bit of bite that pairs so well with the richness of this dish!
If you’re a fan of orzo, check out our carmelized onion orzo, or our spinach artichoke orzo! Looking to pair this with some protein? Our bacon wrapped chicken or honey mustard chicken thighs would go great.
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Cheers! – Kathi and Rachel
Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 tsp butter
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1.5 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 cup evaporated milk (we use 2%)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan (optional for topping)
Instructions
- In a large lidded skillet on medium high heat, combine olive oil and butter. Once melted, add mushrooms and diced onions. Sautee until golden brown.
- While mushrooms are sautéing combing evaporated milk and chicken broth, set aside.
- Add orzo to mushroom and onion mixture. Turn heat to low. Stir until orzo is golden brown.
- Slowly add in milk/broth mixture, and stir to combine, ensuring orzo does not stick to pan. Continue to cook for 12-15 minutes, and stir about every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Orzo is fully cooked when most of the liquid is absorbed. Top with cheese if desired. Serve & enjoy!
Nutrition
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