Creamy Veggie Orzo Delight
Discover a wholesome and tantalizing combination of creamy orzo pasta and fresh vegetables in this delightful dish! Our Creamy Veggie Orzo Delight brings together the earthy flavors of button mushrooms and the sweetness of peas, all enveloped in a rich, buttery sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe provides a satisfying dish that nourishes the body and soul. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a flavorful one-pan wonder that's sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve it as a main dish or as a lovely accompaniment to grilled meats.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 (tablespoon)
Butter
1 (tablespoon)
White Onion
1 (cup, finely chopped)
Button Mushrooms
3 (cups, washed and sliced)
Sea Salt
0.5 (teaspoon, ground)
Black Pepper
0.5 (teaspoon (or to taste))
Orzo Pasta
1 (cup)
Low Sodium Chicken Broth
2.75 (cups)
Frozen Peas
2 (cups)
Lemon Juice
1 (tablespoon)
Herbes de Provence
1 (teaspoon)
Cayenne Pepper
0.25 (teaspoon (or to taste))
Parmesan Cheese
0.33 (cup, grated)
Instructions
1
In a deep skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter together until melted and bubbly.
2
Introduce finely chopped onions and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until they become translucent.
3
Add the sliced button mushrooms to the skillet, seasoning generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the mushrooms start to soften.
4
Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it becomes well-coated with the flavors from the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low.
6
Incorporate the frozen peas and gently simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and creamy.
7
Add in the lemon juice and season with Herbes de Provence and cayenne pepper. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8
Just before serving, fold in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the dish. Cook for the remaining time until everything is combined and creamy.
9
Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan if desired. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Veggie Orzo Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Veggie Orzo Delight?
It is a wholesome and tantalizing dish that combines orzo pasta with fresh button mushrooms and peas in a rich, buttery sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This flavorful one-pan wonder can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While the tags suggest it is vegetarian, the recipe uses chicken broth. To make it strictly vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What type of pasta is orzo?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that becomes creamy when cooked in broth, similar to a risotto texture.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas, though frozen peas are convenient and work perfectly in this 10-minute simmer step.
What kind of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe calls for button mushrooms, which should be washed and sliced before cooking.
Can I substitute the button mushrooms?
Yes, you can use cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms if you prefer a deeper, more robust flavor.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?
Stir the orzo occasionally after adding it to the skillet, especially during the initial coating and the simmering stages.
What gives the dish its creamy texture?
The combination of the starch from the orzo, the butter, and the final folding in of grated parmesan cheese creates the creaminess.
What are Herbes de Provence?
It is a traditional French blend of dried herbs often containing thyme, rosemary, savory, and sometimes lavender.
Can I substitute Herbes de Provence?
If you don't have it, a mix of dried thyme and rosemary or a standard Italian seasoning blend will work well.
Is this dish spicy?
It contains a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which adds a very mild heat. You can adjust this amount to suit your spice tolerance.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice?
The lemon juice provides a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter and parmesan cheese.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe suggests white onion for its sharp flavor, but yellow onion or shallots are excellent alternatives.
Do I need to boil the orzo separately?
No, this is a one-pan recipe where the orzo is cooked directly in the chicken broth within the skillet.
What should I serve with this orzo dish?
It can be served as a satisfying main dish or as a side accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken or steak.
How do I know when the orzo is finished cooking?
The orzo should be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed into a thick, creamy sauce after about 10-15 minutes of simmering.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese instead of parmesan.
Is sea salt necessary?
Sea salt is recommended for its clean flavor, but standard table salt or kosher salt can be used in its place.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe features 13 ingredients, including pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly! Spinach, diced bell peppers, or asparagus would be great additions to this versatile base.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, as the orzo will continue to absorb moisture as it sits.
How do I prep the mushrooms?
Wash them to remove dirt and slice them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Can I use salted chicken broth?
The recipe calls for low sodium broth to better control the salt levels. If using regular broth, reduce the added sea salt.
What type of skillet is best?
A deep skillet or a wide saucepan is best to accommodate the volume of broth and allow the orzo to cook evenly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but ensure you use a large enough pot or Dutch oven to allow for the increased volume of liquid and pasta.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the finely chopped onions for about 2 minutes until they become translucent.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy texture and mild flavors of peas and mushrooms are generally very popular with children.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
How do I garnish the dish?
Serve it hot and garnish with an extra sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese if desired.