This creamy stovetop mushroom orzo recipe is a delightful blend of earthy mushrooms, creamy sauce, and tender orzo pasta. The dish is simple yet flavorful, making it a perfect comfort food for any day of the week. The ingredients are easily available and the method is straightforward, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Baby bella mushrooms are the star of this dish and are commonly found in most supermarkets. They are a type of brown mushroom, which are firmer and have a more intense flavor than white mushrooms. The other ingredient that might not be as common in your pantry is orzo pasta. Orzo, also known as risoni, is a form of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice. If you don't have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with other types of small pasta.
Ingredients for Creamy Stovetop Mushroom Orzo
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and mushrooms, it adds a rich and hearty flavor to the dish.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor that complements the earthy mushrooms.
Baby bella mushrooms: They lend a meaty texture and an earthy flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Gives an aromatic and flavorful touch.
Dried oregano: Provides a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta is perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and savory flavor to the dish. Can be replaced with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
Half and half: Makes the dish creamy and rich.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and creates a luxurious texture when melted.
Petite peas: Adds a pop of color and a sweet contrast to the earthy mushrooms.
One reader, Agata Carrillo says:
This creamy stovetop mushroom orzo recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender mushrooms, creamy orzo, and the hint of parmesan creates a heavenly dish. It's easy to make and incredibly flavorful. I highly recommend trying it - it's a new family favorite in our home!
Cooking Techniques for Creamy Stovetop Mushroom Orzo
How to sauté mushrooms and onions: In a heated pan, add olive oil and then the sliced mushrooms and onions. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and the onions are translucent.
How to cook orzo pasta: Add the orzo pasta to the pan with chicken stock and half-and-half. Stir to combine and let it simmer over medium heat until the pasta is cooked al dente, about 10 to 15 minutes.
How to incorporate parmesan cheese and peas: Once the orzo is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Creamy Stovetop Mushroom Orzo
Baby Bella mushrooms are the stars of this orzo recipe. Experience this highly savory Italian dish at home with generous amounts of oregano and cheese!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- ½ small yellow oniondiced
- 4ouncesBaby Bella mushroomssliced
- 2clovesgarlicminced
- ½ tspdried oreganominced
- 1cuporzo pasta
- 1 ½cupschicken stock
- ½ cuphalf and halfor light cream
- ½ cupParmesan cheesegrated
- ½ cuppetite peasfrozen
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms are tender.
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Add the garlic and the oregano and cook for 30 seconds.
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Put in the orzo pasta, chicken stock, half-and-half, and stir to combine.
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Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture lightly simmer until the pasta is cooked al dente for about 10 to 15 minutes.
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Add more chicken stock if the liquid dries down.
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Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and stir in parmesan cheese, frozen peas, and the salt and pepper.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1269.56kcal
- Fat: 76.99g
- Saturated Fat: 43.63g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 25.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.58g
- Carbohydrates: 66.33g
- Fiber: 8.97g
- Sugar: 24.93g
- Protein: 78.72g
- Cholesterol: 197.86mg
- Sodium: 2499.50mg
- Calcium: 2083.35mg
- Potassium: 1224.58mg
- Iron: 4.94mg
- Vitamin A: 600.91µg
- Vitamin C: 61.74mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Creamy Stovetop Mushroom Orzo
To ensure your orzo pasta cooks evenly and doesn't stick together, stir it occasionally while it's simmering. This will also help to incorporate the flavors of the chicken stock and half and half throughout the pasta. Additionally, when adding the parmesan cheese, remove the pan from the heat. This will prevent the cheese from overheating and becoming grainy, instead, it will melt smoothly into the orzo creating a creamy texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Orzo Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop the onions, garlic, and mushrooms in advance to save time during the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Use a single pot to cook the orzo, reducing the number of dishes to clean up afterward.
Simmer smart: Keep an eye on the orzo while it simmers, and add more chicken stock as needed to prevent it from drying out.
Quick fix: Use frozen peas instead of fresh ones to save time on shelling and preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Stovetop Mushroom Orzo Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a rich and creamy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
yellow onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate taste to the orzo dish.
baby bella mushrooms - Substitute with shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms have a robust and earthy flavor, which can bring a unique umami taste to the orzo recipe.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute, providing a similar flavor without the need for mincing fresh garlic cloves.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can offer a slightly different herbaceous flavor, complementing the mushrooms and orzo in a delightful way.
orzo pasta - Substitute with risotto rice: Risotto rice can create a creamy texture similar to orzo when cooked, making it a suitable alternative for this recipe.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can provide a savory base for the orzo dish, and it complements the mushrooms and peas well.
half and half - Substitute with whole milk and butter: A combination of whole milk and butter can mimic the creamy richness of half and half, adding a luxurious texture to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, which can elevate the dish with its rich and creamy taste.
petite peas - Substitute with edamame beans: Edamame beans offer a similar pop of green color and a slightly different texture, adding a unique twist to the orzo recipe.
Presentation Tips for Creamy Stovetop Mushroom Orzo
Elevate the plating: When presenting the creamy stovetop mushroom orzo, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use edible flowers or microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a crunchy element to the dish, such as toasted pine nuts or crispy shallots, to provide contrast to the creamy orzo and mushrooms.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Opt for fine china or artisanal pottery to showcase the dish. The choice of serving ware can enhance the overall presentation and elevate the dining experience.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a dusting of truffle salt or chopped chives over the orzo to impart a touch of sophistication and depth of flavor.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the orzo and mushroom mixture in a symmetrical manner on the plate, paying attention to balance and visual harmony.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and let the orzo take center stage.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Mushroom Orzo
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Sauté pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with straight sides, used for sautéing, searing, and frying.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden utensil used for stirring, mixing, and tasting dishes.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for recipes.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used to grate ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, or cooking grains.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used to drain liquids from food.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Microplane grater: A kitchen tool used to finely grate ingredients such as spices, citrus zest, or hard cheeses.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Creamy Mushroom Orzo
- Let the creamy stovetop mushroom orzo cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the orzo, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- When freezing, it's best to portion the orzo into individual servings for easy reheating later.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer. The creamy stovetop mushroom orzo will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat the frozen orzo, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
- If the reheated orzo seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of chicken stock or half-and-half to help restore its creamy texture.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the orzo may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but it will still taste delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Creamy Mushroom Orzo
To reheat leftover creamy stovetop mushroom orzo, start by placing the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the orzo from drying out during the reheating process. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the orzo is heated through and steaming.
For a stovetop method, add the leftover orzo to a small saucepan along with a splash of chicken stock or water to help loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the orzo is warmed through and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, add more liquid as needed.
To reheat larger portions or to achieve a crispy texture, spread the leftover mushroom orzo in an even layer on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the orzo is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
For a quick and easy lunch, transform leftover creamy mushroom orzo into a cold pasta salad. Simply allow the orzo to come to room temperature, then toss it with fresh baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy a refreshing, no-heat meal.
Interesting Fact About Mushroom Orzo Recipes
Orzo pasta is a type of short-cut pasta that is shaped like a large grain of rice. It is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and is a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, salads, or as a side dish.
Is Making Creamy Mushroom Orzo at Home Cost-Effective?
This creamy stovetop mushroom orzo recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as mushrooms, orzo pasta, and chicken stock, are generally affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The addition of half and half and parmesan cheese elevates the dish without significantly increasing the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Creamy Mushroom Orzo Healthy?
The creamy stovetop mushroom orzo recipe is a delicious and comforting dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few ingredients:
- The recipe uses half-and-half, which is a high-fat dairy product that adds significant calories and saturated fat to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese, while providing a good source of protein and calcium, also contributes to the overall fat and sodium content.
- The recipe doesn't include a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.
However, the recipe does have some positive aspects:
- Mushrooms are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Orzo pasta, made from semolina flour, contains some protein and carbohydrates for energy.
- Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the half-and-half with a lower-fat alternative, such as milk or a plant-based cream, to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish by adding more mushrooms, as well as other nutrient-dense options like spinach, kale, or bell peppers.
- Use whole wheat orzo pasta to increase the fiber content and provide a more complex carbohydrate source.
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat cheese alternative to decrease the saturated fat and sodium content.
- Consider using low-sodium chicken stock to help control the overall sodium levels in the dish.
Editor's Opinion on This Creamy Stovetop Orzo Dish
The creamy stovetop mushroom orzo recipe is a delightful combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy orzo, and savory Parmesan cheese. The use of half-and-half adds a luxurious richness to the dish, while the addition of petite peas brings a pop of color and freshness. The recipe's simplicity makes it a quick and satisfying meal for any occasion. The flavors are well-balanced, and the dish is versatile enough to be served as a side or a main course. Overall, it's a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to please any palate.
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Why trust this Creamy Stovetop Mushroom Orzo Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of mushrooms, garlic, and parmesan cheese, creating a rich and savory flavor profile. The use of chicken stock and half and half ensures a creamy texture, while the addition of petite peas brings a pop of freshness. The method of cooking the orzo in the flavorful liquid allows for maximum absorption of the delicious flavors. Trust in the simplicity and balance of this recipe, as it promises a satisfying and comforting dish that will surely impress your taste buds.
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