One-Pot Garlic Butter Mushroom and Parmesan Orzo
Creamy orzo pasta cooked with savory garlic butter mushrooms and finished with Parmesan cheese for a comforting, quick one-pot meal. This Italian-inspired one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs orzo pasta, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms, sautéing for 6-7 minutes until mushrooms are browned and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta, cooking for 1 minute to toast lightly with the mushrooms and butter.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth, then add 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley until cheese melts and the dish is creamy.
- Step 5: Serve immediately as a comforting main or side dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Garlic Butter Mushroom and Parmesan Orzo take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Garlic Butter Mushroom and Parmesan Orzo?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Garlic Butter Mushroom and Parmesan Orzo?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Garlic Butter Mushroom and Parmesan Orzo for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Garlic Butter Mushroom and Parmesan Orzo vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
