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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons butter - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional) In this recipe, you will find simple yet rich ingredients. Orzo pasta is the star here. It cooks quickly and has a nice bite. Butter adds a creamy texture and a lovely flavor. Garlic gives a punch that makes your taste buds dance. The cremini mushrooms bring earthiness and depth to the dish. For the additional ingredients, vegetable broth is key. It helps the orzo absorb flavor. Dried thyme adds a hint of herbal goodness. You can always adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. Finally, fresh parsley will give a pop of color and freshness. If you love cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for extra creaminess. These ingredients work together seamlessly to create a dish that is both hearty and light. Prepare to impress your family or friends with this delicious Minute Garlic Butter Mushroom Orzo! To start, take a medium saucepan and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, but not browned. Next, add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the pan. Cook them for about 5 minutes. Stir them as they release moisture and become tender. Now it’s time to make the orzo. Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta into the pan. Coat the pasta in the buttery mix. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and add 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the orzo for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed. After cooking, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in some fresh, chopped parsley for color and flavor. Serve the dish hot. If you like, top it with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra treat. Enjoy your meal! To cook orzo perfectly, use plenty of water. This helps the pasta move freely. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. Check the package for cooking time. Usually, orzo takes about 8-10 minutes to become al dente. For tender mushrooms, choose fresh cremini. Clean them gently with a damp cloth. Slice them evenly for even cooking. Sauté the mushrooms with garlic until they release their moisture. This takes about 5 minutes. You want them soft but not mushy. To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs. Basil, oregano, or rosemary can work well. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice heat. You can also try adding lemon zest for a citrusy kick. For toppings, grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor. If you want a vegan option, try nutritional yeast. You can also top with toasted nuts for crunch. Fresh arugula or spinach can add a pop of color and flavor, too. {{image_2}} You can change the type of pasta in this dish. Instead of orzo, try small shells or ditalini. Both hold sauce well and add a fun twist. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier choice. If you want to swap out the mushrooms, feel free! Zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers work great. Just remember to cook them until they are soft. This keeps the texture nice and easy to eat. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands make pasta that tastes great and cooks well. Check the packaging to ensure it fits your needs. If you want a vegan option, replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter. For cheese lovers, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. This adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the dish tasty and suitable for everyone. To store your leftover Minute Garlic Butter Mushroom Orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Just remember to label it with the date. When reheating orzo, the best method is to use the stovetop. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to the pan. This keeps the orzo moist and helps it warm evenly. Heat it on low and stir often. You can also use a microwave, but add a little liquid before you heat it. This helps preserve the flavor and texture. Always check if it’s hot all the way through before serving. How long does orzo take to cook? Orzo cooks in about 8 to 10 minutes. Start by adding it to boiling broth. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. When the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, it's ready. You want it to be al dente, or firm to the bite. Can I make Minute Garlic Butter Mushroom Orzo ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook the orzo and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to bring back the creamy texture. What can I serve with orzo? Orzo pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also goes nicely with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. For a hearty meal, try it with roasted meats or a rich stew. The buttery flavor of the orzo complements these dishes well. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can divide it into portions and store it in the fridge. This makes it easy to grab and go during the week. Just reheat it as needed. Add fresh herbs or cheese just before serving for extra flavor. This post has detailed how to make Minute Garlic Butter Mushroom Orzo, step by step. We covered the main and extra ingredients, along with cooking tips and variations. You can swap ingredients to fit your needs or make it gluten-free and vegan. Don’t forget to store and reheat your leftovers properly. Now, you have all the tools to cook this tasty dish. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family, or savor it all to yourself!

Minute Garlic Butter Mushroom Orzo

Discover the deliciousness of Minute Garlic Butter Mushroom Orzo, a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy nights! This easy recipe combines tender orzo pasta with savory garlic, rich mushrooms, and a touch of thyme, all in just 15 minutes. Elevate your weeknight dinner with this flavorful dish topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

    Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

      Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, until they have released their moisture and are tender.

        Add the orzo pasta to the saucepan and stir to coat it in the buttery mixture.

          Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

            Cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth.

              Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.

                  Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

                    Prep Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 2