Savor the comforting taste of Mushroom & Parmesan Orzo Skillet with Thyme, a creamy dish that brings warmth and richness to your table. This delightful recipe combines tender orzo pasta with earthy mushrooms, savory Parmesan cheese, and aromatic thyme, creating a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to indulge in a bowl of cozy goodness that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: The combination of mushrooms and Parmesan creates a rich and satisfying taste that feels like a warm hug.
Quick and Easy: This one-skillet dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or dried thyme and your choice of mushrooms to customize the dish to your liking.
Creamy Texture: The orzo absorbs flavors beautifully, resulting in a creamy and luxurious texture that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Mushroom & Parmesan Orzo Skillet with Thyme are simple yet essential, each one contributing to the dish’s incredible flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Orzo Pasta: This small pasta shape cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Mushrooms: Choose your favorite variety, such as cremini or shiitake, for an earthy depth of flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich, nutty finish that elevates the dish.
Thyme: Fresh thyme gives a fragrant herbal note that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Using broth instead of water adds an extra layer of flavor to the orzo.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics provide a savory base that enhances the overall taste.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.

Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Variations for Mushroom & Parmesan Orzo Skillet with Thyme

Feel free to customize the Mushroom & Parmesan Orzo Skillet with Thyme to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in spinach, kale, or peas for extra nutrients and color.
Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Dairy Alternatives: Use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan version.
Herb Substitutions: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat that complements the creamy orzo.

How to Make Mushroom & Parmesan Orzo Skillet with Thyme

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms

Add your choice of mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they are golden brown and have released their moisture, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Stir in the dry orzo pasta, allowing it to toast for 1-2 minutes, which enhances its flavor and texture.

Step 4: Add Broth and Thyme

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, until the orzo is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

Once the orzo is tender, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for Making Mushroom & Parmesan Orzo Skillet with Thyme

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and herbs make a significant difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent mushy pasta.
Adjust Consistency: If the dish is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try adding different cheeses like goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Garnish for Presentation: Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese can elevate the dish visually.

How to Serve Mushroom & Parmesan Orzo Skillet with Thyme

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley on top not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile beautifully. Consider adding a few shavings of Parmesan for that extra touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread can also complement the creamy orzo perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Mushroom & Parmesan Orzo Skillet with Thyme in individual bowls topped with microgreens or edible flowers for a stunning presentation at dinner parties. You can also serve it in a hollowed-out bell pepper or a rustic bread bowl for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it easy to enjoy later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the Mushroom & Parmesan Orzo Skillet with Thyme for up to three months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers for easy meal prep.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Heat on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for this dish, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like ditalini or even rice.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that still adds a cheesy flavor.

How can I spice it up?

For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dish while cooking.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a delicious, creamy Mushroom & Parmesan Orzo Skillet with Thyme that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors and comforting textures it brings to the table. Happy cooking!

Mushroom & Parmesan Orzo Skillet with Thyme

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo Pasta

1 cup Orzo Pasta

Mushrooms

2 cups chopped Mushrooms (cremini or shiitake recommended)

Parmesan Cheese

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

Thyme

2 tablespoons fresh Thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried)

Broth

4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth

Onion and Garlic

1 medium Onion, diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced

Olive Oil

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

Seasoning

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Cook the Mushrooms: Add your choice of mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they are golden brown and have released their moisture, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Toast the Orzo: Stir in the dry orzo pasta, allowing it to toast for 1-2 minutes, which enhances its flavor and texture.
Add Broth and Thyme: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, until the orzo is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes.
Finish with Parmesan: Once the orzo is tender, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and herbs make a significant difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent mushy pasta.
Adjust Consistency: If the dish is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try adding different cheeses like goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Garnish for Presentation: Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese can elevate the dish visually.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: Italian