This mushroom and orzo risotto recipe is great for those wanting to do something different with their orzo pasta that’s sitting there in the pantry. It’s a delightful creamy pasta dish that can be used as a dinner or a side dish.
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Recipe Summary
Risotto is considered a Northern Italian dish and is often used with a special white rice called Arborio. However, much to the dismay of risotto experts and enthusiasts, I use pasta to make a risotto-like dish.
I won’t apologize either because I’m all about simple Italian cooking, and a truly authentic risotto using arborio rice isn’t simple to make. If I change my mind later on, I’ll let you know!
Ingredients
For the ingredients, my recipe uses basic Italian ingredients and it takes less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish, probably even less.
- orzo
- broth
- garlic cloves
- Romano cheese
- fresh parsley
- diced mushrooms
I do use chicken broth for my recipe because the flavor really helps add some depth to the recipe. However, as you’ll see in my video I actually cut the broth down by using a mix of water and broth.
Recipe Instructions
For exact measurements, refer to the recipe card below.
- Bring the water and broth to a boil in a large sauce pan.
- Add the orzo and cook per the boxes instructions (about 9 minutes).
- When the liquid is absorbed, add the garlic, Romano, parsley and mushrooms and mix well.
- Turn heat down to low and let everything cook together for a few minutes.
- When ready, serve warm.
What about the Mushrooms?
In regards to the mushrooms, I use button mushrooms. Main reason is they are cheaper and I don’t know much about all the various types of mushrooms out there. How’s that for honesty?
If you want to use your own mix of mushrooms, have at it, I’m sure it will taste great, and maybe even better!
Here’s my quick video showing how easy it is to make.
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Recipe Video
Recipe Card
Orzo and Mushroom Risotto
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 3 cups broth or 1/2 water and 1/2 broth
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup sliced or diced mushrooms
Instructions
- Bring the broth to a boil in a large sauce pan.3 cups broth
- Add the orzo and cook per the boxes instructions (about 9 minutes).1 1/2 cups orzo
- When the liquid is absorbed, add the garlic, Romano, parsley and mushrooms and mix well.3 garlic cloves chopped, 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup sliced or diced mushrooms
- Turn heat down to low and let everything cook together for a few minutes.
- When ready, serve warm.
Notes
Tip #2: Feel free to add a few of your own ingredients such as fresh basil, chopped red pepper or even sliced grape tomatoes.
Tip #3: Turn this into a main dish by adding some hearty vegetables or some chicken.
Nutrition
Other Pasta Recipes
Here are some other pasta recipes you may enjoy. You can check out more of our easy pasta recipes here.
