Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Earthy mushrooms and tender orzo come together in this incredible one-pot meal. The pasta cooks right in the pan, creating a creamy, luscious sauce without any heavy cream, making it a lighter yet deeply satisfying dish.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté the mushrooms
- b.Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes, until the bottoms are well-browned.
- d.Stir and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden all over.
- e.Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped shallot to the same pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- c.Add the minced garlic and dried thyme. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toast and cook the orzo
- b.Add the dry orzo to the pan and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast it lightly.
- c.Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- d.Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish the dish
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir the cooked mushrooms back into the orzo.
- c.Add the nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, fresh parsley, and lemon juice.
- d.Mix well until everything is combined and the sauce is creamy.
- e.Let it sit for 2 minutes before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, let your mushrooms brown properly without overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
- 2Stir the orzo every few minutes as it cooks to release its starches, which creates the creamy sauce.
- 3If the orzo becomes too thick before it's fully cooked, add a splash more broth or hot water.
- 4Toast the dry orzo in the pan for a minute before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor.
- 5For extra richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of unsalted butter at the end.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already vegan as written. Ensure your vegetable broth is certified vegan.
high proteinHigh protein
Stir in a can of drained chickpeas or some grilled chicken strips at the end for a protein boost.
gluten freeGluten free
Use a gluten-free orzo substitute, such as one made from rice or corn. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.
quickQuick
Use pre-sliced mushrooms and a jar of minced garlic to cut down on prep time.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart Healthy
This recipe is very low in sodium, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and overall cardiovascular health.
Rich in B Vitamins
Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin, which help convert food into energy and keep your nervous system healthy.
Source of Selenium
Cremini mushrooms provide selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is quite healthy. It's low in sodium, gets its creaminess from the pasta's natural starch instead of heavy cream, and is packed with nutrients from mushrooms. It provides complex carbs for energy.