Creamy Mushroom Orzo

I am a notorious meal repeater. I don't like too much effort in planning day to day meals. I like simplicity and quickness. Naturally, things can get a little boring. Especially when trying to make lighter dishes reduced in fat and calories. The possibilities are endless with pasta. If you've been to Italy, you know this to be factual.

I love a good a creamy pasta. And I really love a creamy pasta without heavy cream. It's just not my favorite ingredient to use. If you're like me, I think you'll like the addition of Boursin in this orzo recipe. It gives just the right amount of creaminess and flavor without cream.

Ok. Lets get to it...

INGREDIENTS

• Boursin Shallot & Chive Cheese

• 2 cups Orzo

• 8 ounces Baby Bella Mushrooms, sliced

• 3 cups Chicken Stock

• 1 Shallot, minced

• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

• Salt & Pepper to taste

• Parsley & Parmesan for garnish

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Over medium heat, heat olive oil in a medium sauce pan. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

   
   

2. Add shallot, cook for one minute and add the mushrooms. Continue to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

   
   

3. Lightly season mixture with salt and pepper. Combine well.

   
   

4. Slowly add 1 cup of chicken stock to the mixture. We do this to deglaze the pan before adding the orzo.

   
   

5. Add the orzo to the mixture, followed by another cup of broth. Combine well. Bring to a low simmer and reduce heat to low.

   
   

6. Unwrap boursin cheese and place in the center of the orzo. Twirl it around to melt into the orzo and slowly add remaing cup of chicken stock, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, until al dente.

   
   

7. Turn off heat, garnish with chopped parsley and parmesan cheese.

   
   

   Note: The ideal firmness is al dente as the pasta will continue to cook once removed from heat.

   
   

Serve as is or pair with your favorite lean protein. This is another dish I pair with a simple pan fried chicken cutlet. Nothing super fancy just thin chicken breast cutlets seasoned with a simple house season blend (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder).

As always, if you track macros calculate macros based on individual nutrition labels and divide by total number of servings.

Enjoy!

Xx