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

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)

Ranch Dressing
Bottle of creamy dressing shown served over a salad.

Ranch Dressing

Make your own creamy, flavor-packed ranch at home. A great staple dressing.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
12 Tablespoons
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
Cilantro Lime Tuna Wrap
Tortillas folded over a creamy vegetable filled tuna mixture with lime wedges on a plate.

Cilantro Lime Tuna Wrap

A light and flavorful meal using canned tuna, fresh veggies and a tangy mayo dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Wraps
Frozen Raspberry Banana Yogurt
Photo of Raspberry Banana Yogurt

Frozen Raspberry Banana Yogurt

Sweet-tart raspberries and creamy yogurt combine to make a refreshing and tasty drink.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Tropical Smoothie
Glass filled with a thick smoothie.

Tropical Smoothie

A cold and refreshing drink with sweet pineapple and creamy banana.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Fruit Shake 2 (with milk and yogurt)
Creamy fruit smoothie in a footed glass.

Fruit Shake 2 (with milk and yogurt)

A delicious homemade fruit-flavored shake for breakfast, snack or on-the-go!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Was this page helpful to you?