Creamy Risoni with Mushrooms – Easy &Healthy Weeknight Dinner

There are days when all we crave is a warm, creamy, and flavourful dish — but without spending hours in the kitchen. This creamy Risoni with Mushrooms is exactly that: a practical, nourishing meal, perfect for those weeknights when you need something cosy and satisfying.

What is risoni?
Risoni (also known as orzo) is a type of pasta shaped like a grain of rice. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to cook. You can use it in soups, salads, or — as in this recipe — in a creamy risotto-style dish that takes less time and effort than a traditional risotto.

Why you’ll love this recipe
Beyond being delicious, this recipe is a great way to include mushrooms, which are rich in antioxidants, fibre, and B vitamins — nutrients that support metabolism and immune health.
The result is a balanced meal with complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein (which you can boost with chicken, tofu, or legumes).

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​🧂 Ingredients (serves 4)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter (or extra olive oil for a dairy-free version)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 300 g mushrooms (button, chestnut, or mixed), sliced
• 1 cup (200 g) risoni/orzo pasta
• 3 cups (750 ml) hot vegetable or chicken stock
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) cream or Greek yoghurt (optional, for creaminess)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Method

1. Sauté the aromatics:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Cook the mushrooms:
Add the mushrooms and cook until golden and most of their moisture has evaporated. Season with a pinch of salt.

3. Toast the risoni:
Stir in the risoni and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted — this adds a lovely nutty flavour.

4. Deglaze (optional):
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until almost evaporated.

5. Simmer:
Gradually add the hot stock, one cup at a time, stirring often until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. This takes about 12–15 minutes, similar to making risotto.

6. Finish:
When the risoni is al dente and creamy, stir in the cream (or yoghurt) and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

7. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

🌿 Tips and Variations

• Add spinach, kale, or peas for extra colour and nutrients.
• For a vegetarian or vegan version, swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast and use a creamy plant-based alternative instead of dairy.
• Boost the protein with grilled chicken, prawns, or sautéed tofu.

✨ A comforting, balanced meal
This dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family.
Serve with a simple green salad, and you’ll have a complete, balanced, and delicious meal.

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