This Mushroom Orzo is an easy pasta recipe that is easy to make. It only takes 30 minutes and can be a complete vegetarian meal or used as a side dish. You can even add grilled chicken or steak – it’s a hearty and delicious dinner!
The BEST Orzo Recipe
Orzo, or risoni as it’s sometimes called, is a small pasta shape that looks a lot like rice. Because of that, you can use it in many dishes like you would rice – it’s great for soup, salads, and side dishes like this mushroom orzo.
I like this dish because it reminds me a little of a fancy risotto, but it’s much easier to make. Mushroom risotto has most of the same ingredients, except it is made with rice. The creamy mushrooms with the pasts have so much flavor and are absolutely delicious.
Ingredients Needed
- Mushrooms: You will want to slice the mushrooms. You can use white button mushrooms, baby Bella mushrooms, or chopped portobello mushrooms.
- Onion: I used a yellow onion but white onions will work too.
- Orzo: Can also be called risoni.
- Chicken Stock or vegetable stock to make it vegetarian
- Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese is my favorite – use fresh parmesan you grate yourself.
- Spices: Salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some herbs like Italian seasoning, thyme, or oregano.
Make it a Meal
We usually have this as a side dish but if you want to make it a heartier meal you’ll want to add more protein.
- For a vegetarian meal, you could add some tofu or white beans.
- Add some cooked Italian sausage
- Add some grilled chicken or grilled steak!
How to Make Mushroom Orzo
- Cook onions and mushrooms in a large skillet over medium heat until softened.
- Add the broth and bring to a boil; add the orzo and cook to allow the pasta to absorb the moisture.
- Add parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste, even some fresh parsley.
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Expert Tips
- For this recipe, feel free to use your favorite type of mushrooms. You can also do a mix of mushrooms. You can use button mushrooms or white mushrooms or anything you want.
- When you cook the orzo, all of the liquid should be absorbed. If there is excess liquid, just leave the lid off and simmer it until it evaporates.
- For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of chicken broth. Or, if you want it to be vegetarian, use vegetable broth.
FAQs
Store this recipe in an airtight container in the fridge.
Mushroom Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms sliced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated and separated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onions and mushrooms until they soften and brown (4-6 minutes).
- Pour broth in the skillet and bring to a boil. Add Orzo cover the skillet and turn heat to low. Simmer until liquid is absorbed and Orzo is cooked through. About 10-15 minutes. If there is still liquid remove cover and simmer for a few more minutes to remove liquid.
- Add salt, pepper and half the parmesan cheese. Stir in and then serve. Sprinkle the rest of the parmesan cheese on top as needed.
Recipe Video
Recipe Nutrition
Please recommend occasional stirring to prevent sticking and burning onto the pan. Easy to make otherwise. I will repeat this recipe.