Toby’s Orzo
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Recipe Category: Oven
Keywords: Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Description:
I was in search of a rice substitute one afternoon and ended up creating this delightful pasta dish. It’s a fantastic “company” dish—looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. The combination of orzo pasta, savory mushrooms, and fresh herbs makes this an elegant yet simple option for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and can even be doubled for a larger group. The perfect balance of rich, comforting flavors with a touch of gourmet flair.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Low sodium chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Reduced sodium soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh mushrooms (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil (divided) | 8-12 tablespoons |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Orzo pasta | 1 cup |
| Onion (diced) | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Water chestnuts (chopped) | 1 can (optional) |
| Scallion (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh parsley leaves (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 389.5 |
| Total Fat | 13.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 21.2 mg |
| Sodium | 1336.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugars | 8.4 g |
| Protein | 17 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Broth Mixture: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the chicken broth, water, soy sauce, and onion soup mix. Set this mixture aside for later use.
-
Cook the Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and most of it evaporates. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Once done, add the cooked mushrooms to the prepared broth mixture and set aside.
-
Sauté the Orzo: In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and/or 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the orzo pasta, stirring to coat it evenly with the oil. Sauté the orzo, stirring almost constantly, until it begins to lightly brown, which should take around 3-4 minutes.
-
Add the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Continue sautéing until the onion turns translucent and some of the orzo grains turn very lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
-
Simmer the Pasta: Pour the chicken broth mixture into the pan with the orzo and stir. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 6-7 minutes, or until the pasta is partially cooked but still firm to the bite. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
-
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
-
Transfer to the Casserole: Carefully transfer the partially cooked orzo mixture along with all the remaining ingredients into the prepared casserole dish. Toss everything together to combine evenly.
-
Bake the Orzo: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
-
Final Touches: After 30 minutes, uncover the casserole and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the top to crisp up and the flavors to meld.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Serve as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course.
Tip: This recipe doubles beautifully for larger gatherings—just be sure to add an extra 1/2 cup of broth or water to the liquid for a more abundant dish.
