Mushroom orzo is a tasty, comforting side dish! It combines tender orzo pasta with rich, earthy mushrooms in a creamy sauce. It’s easy to make and sure to impress with satisfying texture and savory flavors.
How to Make Mushroom Orzo
Mushroom orzo is incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple steps that result in a dish full of flavor. You’ll sauté the veggies, cook the orzo, and combine them with a creamy sauce all in the same pan. It’s a satisfying side that comes together with very little effort, making it perfect for when you want a hearty dish without the hassle.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the butter to a large skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it turns translucent and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes, until the mushrooms release their liquid and it reduces by half.
- Add the Seasonings and Orzo: Add the salt, thyme, parsley, pepper, and orzo to the skillet and stir until combined.
- Simmer: Add the chicken broth and half and half, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10-11 minutes, stirring occasionally to help the orzo cook evenly and to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Serve: Once the orzo is cooked through, add the spinach and parmesan to the skillet. Stir and continue to cook until the spinach wilts. Top with fresh parsley and serve.
Mushroom Orzo Tips and Variations
Use these simple tips and tricks to make sure your mushroom orzo turns out perfectly!
- Give the mushrooms space while cooking! Make sure you give the mushrooms enough time and room to cook. Sometimes, it can take a while for them to release their water, but this is essential to avoid having watery orzo. Use a 12 or 14-inch skillet to give them enough space to spread out and avoid stirring them around too much.
- Can I toast my Orzo? If you would like to toast the orzo, remove the mushrooms from the pan and add the orzo. Stir it around in the pan for a few minutes until it smells toasted and nutty, then resume adding the remaining ingredients in step 3.
- How do I know when the orzo is done? After the orzo cooks for 8 or 9 minutes, test it for doneness. Continue to test and cook it until it reaches the desired doneness, typically about 10-11 minutes.
- Can I use fresh herbs? To replace the dried herbs with fresh herbs, use 1 ½ teaspoon of the fresh minced herbs for every ½ teaspoon of dried herbs.
- Make it cheesy! You may add more parmesan cheese if you like your pasta dish extra cheesy!
Mushroom Orzo Leftovers
Mushroom orzo is great heated up for lunch the next day! Add some grilled chicken and make it a meal!
- Fridge: Store leftover mushroom orzo in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between increments, until heated through.
- Make Ahead: I don’t recommend preparing this ahead of time. It is best served fresh!
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