Ya’ll this recipe is so good! It was one of those happy accident recipes that just came together one night.

I was cooking dinner and needing to clean out the fridge from some things that were going to go bad. I found some orzo pasta in the pantry, cream, and mushrooms.

Boom… perfect!

It turned out to be a great side dish for the dinner we were having. Which funny enough I cannot even remember what it was so obviously this was the star of dinner.

Since that first night I’ve made this no less and half a dozen times and have just tweaked it to make it even better. While it’s great on its own, it would also be great with some lemon chicken added.

Mmmm…I’m going to have to try that next time.

What is Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Orzo?

Orzo, also known as risoni, is a form of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads to main courses. In this recipe, orzo is paired with garlic, parmesan, and mushrooms to create a dish that’s both hearty and elegant.

The combination of flavors and textures makes this orzo dish a standout, perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and mushrooms creates a rich and savory flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile: This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
• Comforting: The creamy texture and warm flavors make this orzo dish incredibly comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Orzo: This short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice, serves as the base of the dish, providing a tender and slightly chewy texture that absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Used in two stages of the cooking process, olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps to sauté the mushrooms and garlic to perfection.
• Baby Bella Mushrooms: These mushrooms bring an earthy, umami flavor to the dish, complementing the creaminess of the sauce and adding a satisfying bite.
• Garlic: A single clove of smashed garlic infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the mushrooms and parmesan.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient adds a luxurious, creamy texture to the orzo, making the dish rich and indulgent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, providing a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: Chiffonade of parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.

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Substitutions & Additions

• Orzo: If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe.
• Mushrooms: Feel free to use other types of mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for a different flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
• Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be used as alternatives to Parmesan.
• Parsley: Fresh basil or chives can be used in place of parsley for a different herbaceous note.

How to Make this Recipe

Start by cooking your orzo according to package directions to al dente. Drain and toss with 1 Tbsp of olive oil to keep it from sticking together.

While the orzo is cooking, start cooking the mushrooms in a large skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining olive oil and garlic. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms just begin to wilt.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream and grated parmesan. Stir together and let simmer for a couple minutes then stir in the cooked orzo pasta.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste and remove from heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and serve immediately.

I’ve made a lot of pasta dishes on this little blog and this one is definitely in my top 10 favorites that I’ve ever made. You can absolutely eat it on its own as well, it’s that good.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Make sure to cook the orzo until it’s just al-dente. Overcooking can make it mushy, which will affect the texture of the dish.

Mushroom Preparation: Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel instead of washing them under water to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Garlic Flavor: Smashing the garlic clove instead of mincing it will give a milder garlic flavor, which complements the dish without overpowering it.

Creamy Texture: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a bit more heavy cream or even a splash of chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions

Main Course: Serve this Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Orzo as a main course with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad.

Side Dish: This orzo dish pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a great side for a holiday meal.

Garnishes: Top with additional grated parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Storage Suggestions

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the orzo and mushroom mixture ahead of time and store them separately. Combine and reheat just before serving.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried parsley in a pinch. Use about 1 Tbsp of dried parsley.

Is this dish vegetarian? Yes, this Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Orzo is vegetarian. To make it vegan, you can use a dairy-free cream and cheese substitute.

Can I add protein to this dish? Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon would be great additions.

What other vegetables can I add? Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions to this orzo dish.

This Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Orzo is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this orzo recipe is a winner. Enjoy!