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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.
Featured in a Food Hero Monthly

Comments

Submitted by HENelson13 on Thu, 01/16/2025 - 10:50

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. 

Submitted by mandy.hatfield@... on Mon, 01/29/2024 - 14:27

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.  

Submitted by walscaro on Sat, 04/04/2020 - 07:37
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!
Submitted by Jennifer Pettit on Wed, 04/26/2017 - 11:18

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

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