Best Creamy Italian Orzo Risotto Recipes

MUSHROOM ORZO RISOTTO

Steps:

• Sauté the mushrooms: (SEE NOTES before proceeding) Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Working in two batches, add half the mushrooms and cook, UNDISTURBED, for 4-5 minutes, or until they begin to turn golden and release their liquid. Stir and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are crisp but still moist, about 3-4 additional minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Use a slotted spoon to remove the mushrooms and transfer them to a bowl. Repeat with another tablespoon of butter and remaining mushrooms. Set bowl of mushrooms aside.
• Sauté vegetables: Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the same pan you used to cook the mushrooms. Add in the shallots. Sauté, stirring occasionally until softened, about 2 minutes. Add in the garlic and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Toast orzo: Add in the orzo and thyme. Stir and cook until the orzo is golden and toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add liquid: Add in ½ cup of broth to deglaze the pan. Use the back of a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper. Slowly pour in the remaining 3 ¼ cups of broth. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Simmer, stirring often, for 9-11 minutes or until orzo is al dente and pasta is creamy.
• Add cream: Stir in the cream and parmesan. Cook, stirring, until liquid is creamy, about 2 minutes. If orzo thickens up, add a bit of cream or broth - you want the pasta to be creamy, yet not too thick.
• Add mushrooms: Turn off the heat and add the mushrooms and parsley. Stir gently to combine.
• Serve: Remove from heat and drizzle with truffle oil to taste. Taste orzo and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with additional parmesan, fresh herbs and truffle oil on the side. Enjoy!

CREAMY ORZO RISOTTO

Steps:

• In large pot of boiling lightly salted water, cook orzo for about 8 minutes or just until tender but still firm. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat; cook garlic and onion for 3-4 minutes or until onion is softened.
• Add wine and bring to a simmer; reduce heat to a medium-low and cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• Add orzo to cream sauce; stirring constantly, bring to a simmer.
• Stir in chives and cheddar and blue cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle with pine nuts.

ORZO RISOTTO

Steps:

• Saute the shallot in butter for 5 minutes or until tender. Add the steeped saffron in white wine and evaporate. Add the orzo and saute just enough to coat the pasta kernels.
• Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil and cook until the pasta has absorbed the broth, and is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the shrimp, cover and steep just long enough for the shrimp to gently warm through. Season to taste with salt and crushed red pepper; garnish with parsley.