Skip to main content

Leek and Mushroom Orzo

A creamy Italian-style pasta dish that makes the perfect side to your favorite roasted or grilled protein.
Medium bowl of a saucy orzo dish with vegetables.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Makes: 4 Cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 cups chopped leeks
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup dry orzo (rice-shaped pasta) or bulgur
2 cups low-sodium broth (any type)
1 ½ cups chopped tomato
3 Tablespoons cream cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.

  3. Sauté leeks in oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until the leeks are soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add mushrooms and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the orzo and toast lightly, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes.
  6. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost tender, about 8 minutes.
  7. Add the tomatoes and simmer until orzo is tender, about 2 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Serve warm.
  9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • No fresh tomatoes? Use 1 can (15 ounces) drained diced tomatoes instead.

Comments

Delicious and easy Orzo recipe. I made this dairy free by making cream cheese out of tofu (easy 5 ingredients with blender). I also added some red pepper flakes for spice and spinach as well. Pairs nicely with chicken! Great healthy, tasty, and creamy Orzo and vegetable meal. 

I am not necessarily a mushroom person but this recipe is so tasty.  I made this with students in class after they grow lion mane mushrooms in class.  I was so impressed with how many students didn't just try it but wanted seconds.  

Wow! I definitely felt like a Food Hero after making this last night. I have to admit to changing up a few ingredients because of wanting to use what we had on hand, but the flavors and ease of prep that come with this flexible recipe were so impressive. I used about 3 cups of penne pasta instead of orzo and a drained can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes (instead of the fresh that I assume the recipe suggests) which I added with the broth. It took an extra 5-10 minutes for the larger pasta to cook. I skipped the salt and added about 1/4 teaspoon thyme since it goes so well with mushrooms. Thanks!

Very easy to make and delicious to taste recipe! Everyone loved it.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Spinach and Black Bean Enchiladas
Casserole dish with tortillas filled with a bean, corn and spinach mix with red sauce.

Spinach and Black Bean Enchiladas

Enjoy these Spinach and Black Bean Enchiladas for an easy and satisfying meal.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 enchiladas
Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted tomato halves and herbs with a small amount of liquid in the bottom of the baking dish.

Roasted Tomatoes

Rich and flavorful roasted tomatoes with garlic and your favorite fresh or dried herbs.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ to 3 cups
Berry Blast Off
A sundae glass filled with layers of sliced strawberries, granola, blueberries and creamy yogurt.

Berry Blast Off

This parfait combines granola, berries and yogurt for the perfect breakfast, snack or dessert!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Stovetop Bulgur
Bowl of soft, cooked bulgur.

Stovetop Bulgur

Nutrient-rich whole grain with a light and nutty flavor that cooks quickly.
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Rice with Black Beans and Sausage
Large dish of a simple rice, sausage and vegetable mix.

Rice with Black Beans and Sausage

A comforting dish of filling grains, tender beans and spicy sausage.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Cherry Oat Crumble
Photo of Cherry Oat Crumble

Cherry Oat Crumble

Low-sugar dessert that combines wholesome oats and tart cherries. Enjoy it for breakfast with a serving of plain yogurt.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.