Creamy Baked Orzo with Fontina, Mushrooms, and Peas
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with our Creamy Baked Orzo with Fontina, Mushrooms, and Peas. This delightful recipe combines tender orzo pasta, savory mushrooms, sweet peas, and a blend of melted Fontina and mozzarella cheeses, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. Topped with a crispy layer of seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan, this baked entrée not only satisfies your cravings but also makes for a wonderful dish to share with family and friends. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
4 cups (none)
orzo pasta
1 lb (none)
butter
3 tablespoons (plus more for greasing)
onion
1 (chopped)
mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
Marsala wine
1 cup (none)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
Fontina cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
fresh mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (diced)
frozen peas
1 cup (thawed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
2
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, stir in the orzo and cook for about 7 minutes until the pasta is al dente but not fully cooked. Drain and transfer the orzo along with the broth to a large mixing bowl.
3
In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3 minutes until tender. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook until the mushrooms turn golden brown, around 7 minutes.
4
Pour in the Marsala wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits off the skillet bottom. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the wine has reduced by half. Transfer the mushroom and onion mixture to the bowl with orzo.
5
To the orzo mixture, add the heavy cream, shredded Fontina cheese, diced fresh mozzarella, thawed peas, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine.
6
Pour the creamy orzo mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme. Stir until well mixed, then evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the orzo.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to sit for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
30
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Orzo with Fontina, Mushrooms, and Peas?
It is a comforting baked pasta dish combining tender orzo, savory mushrooms, sweet peas, and a blend of Fontina and mozzarella cheeses in a creamy sauce.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
You can use white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, sliced into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the entire dish vegetarian-friendly.
How long should I cook the orzo before baking?
The orzo should be boiled in the chicken broth for about 7 minutes until it is al dente, meaning it is still slightly firm.
What is Fontina cheese and what does it taste like?
Fontina is a semi-soft Italian cheese known for its excellent melting properties and mild, nutty, and slightly earthy flavor.
What can I substitute for Marsala wine?
If you do not have Marsala wine, you can use dry sherry, Madeira, or a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio.
How do I ensure the breadcrumb topping is crispy?
The topping becomes crispy by mixing breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and butter or oil, then baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until golden.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas, though you may want to blanch them briefly before adding them to the orzo mixture.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is needed?
A standard 9x13 inch baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the orzo and mushroom mixture in the baking dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
How long does the dish need to bake?
It typically takes 25 to 30 minutes in the oven until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
What type of mozzarella is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for fresh mozzarella cheese, diced into small pieces for a gooey texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the purpose of reducing the Marsala wine?
Reducing the wine by half concentrates the flavor and cooks off the harsh alcohol taste.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones?
Yes, panko breadcrumbs will work perfectly and provide an even crunchier texture to the topping.
How do I reheat the baked orzo?
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil, or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
What can I use if I don't have dried thyme?
You can substitute dried thyme with dried oregano, marjoram, or even a small amount of dried rosemary.
Is it necessary to drain the orzo after boiling in broth?
The instructions suggest draining the orzo but transferring it along with the remaining broth to keep the moisture for the bake.
Can I add protein like chicken to this dish?
Absolutely! Fold in cooked shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp before baking for a more filling meal.
What happens if I overcook the orzo in the first step?
If overcooked, the orzo may become mushy after the second stage of baking, so aim for al dente.
Do the peas need to be cooked before mixing?
No, as long as the frozen peas are thawed, they will finish cooking perfectly during the 25-30 minute bake time.
Why use heavy cream in the sauce?
Heavy cream provides the luxurious, velvety texture that defines this 'creamy' baked dish.
Can I substitute Fontina with another cheese?
Yes, Gruyere, Provolone, or Gouda are excellent substitutes that melt well and offer similar flavors.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While not explicitly stated, 1 pound of orzo pasta typically serves 6 to 8 people as a main or side dish.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, the mild flavors of the cheese and pasta make it a very kid-friendly meal.
What does the onion add to the recipe?
Sautéing the onion provides a savory aromatic base that enhances the flavor of the mushrooms and sauce.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While orzo is preferred for its rice-like texture, you could use other small pastas like ditalini or acini di pepe.
Why should I let the dish sit before serving?
Allowing it to sit for a few minutes helps the sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the texture.
Does this recipe contain many calories?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, making it a moderate choice for a comforting pasta meal.