Creamy Garlic Mushroom Orzo
Total Time
40 mins
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(7)
Ingredients
3 to 4 servings
- 8 ounces uncooked orzo
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 pound mixed mushrooms, sliced (half baby bella, half shiitake)
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
- 1 ounce freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup loosely-packed chopped fresh basil
- Zest and juice of 1 small lemon (optional)
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Preparation
Step 1
Heat the water for the orzo. Bring a large saucepan full of generously-salted water to a boil.
Step 2
Brown the mushrooms. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add half of the mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring and flipping every few minutes, until browned. Transfer the cooked mushrooms to a clean plate. Repeat with an additional 1 tablespoon butter and the remaining mushrooms, then transfer the mushrooms to the plate.
Step 3
Cook the orzo. Add the orzo to the boiling water and cook until 2 minutes shy of al dente.
Step 4
Sauté the veggies. While the orzo cooks, add the remaining butter to the sauté pan along with the shallot, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the cooked mushrooms, heavy cream, a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
Step 5
Combine. Once the pasta is ready, transfer it to the sauté pan along with 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente.
Step 6
Finish. Remove the pan from heat. Add in the Parmesan, spinach, basil, lemon zest and juice (if using), and stir gently until the spinach has wilted. If the pasta seems too dry, add some of the reserved starchy pasta water. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and/or extra lemon juice if needed.
Step 7
Serve. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan, and enjoy!
Step 8
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Chef's notes
Feel free to add in extra protein like Italian sausage, chicken, or shrimp.
Add extra veggies such as artichoke hearts, asparagus, bell peppers, peas, or zucchini.
You can use different herbs or seasonings such as rosemary, sage, or thyme.
Omit the cream to lighten the dish and add extra water or vegetable broth instead.
Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free orzo or pasta.
