One Pot Creamy Mushroom Rice

Name: One Pot Creamy Mushroom Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Basic Quick Meals Favorites

I absolutely love making One Pot Creamy Mushroom Rice for a weeknight dinner. It’s so easy to prepare, and everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of fresh mushrooms, creamy broth, and perfectly cooked rice creates a comforting dish that warms the soul. Plus, the flavors develop beautifully as they blend together, creating a rich and satisfying meal that everyone enjoys. I often serve this with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the flavors and add some freshness.

Created by

Esme Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:24:36.912Z

When I first attempted One Pot Creamy Mushroom Rice, I was worried it might turn out too watery or too dry. However, after experimenting with the liquid ratios and cooking times, I discovered the key is to let the rice absorb the broth gradually. This not only ensures a creamy texture but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

One of my favorite additions is a splash of white wine, which I add after sautéing the mushrooms. It elevates the dish, adding depth and a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the cream. Trust me, don't skip this step if you can!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that's both indulgent and comforting
Quick one-pot preparation for easy cleanup
Savory mushroom flavor that pleases any palate

The Role of Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is a key player in achieving the creamy texture of this dish. Its high starch content allows for a luscious, velvety finish as it releases starch into the broth during cooking. This variety is especially suited for risottos and creamy dishes, absorbing flavors beautifully without becoming mushy. Make sure you don’t rinse the rice before adding it to the pot, as rinsing removes the starch that contributes to the creaminess.

When cooking rice, it's crucial to maintain the right balance between liquid and rice. For this recipe, a 2:1 ratio of broth to rice works perfectly, ensuring that the rice gets fully cooked while creating a creamy consistency. If you find yourself with leftover rice, just make sure it cools completely before storing, as it can continue to cook and become mushy.

Enhancing Flavors with Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh mushrooms is essential in this One Pot Creamy Mushroom Rice. Varieties like cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms not only add depth of flavor but also textural contrast. When slicing mushrooms, aim for even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. For an extra touch, consider sautéing some additional mushrooms to use as a topping – they’ll stay nice and firm, adding an appealing presentation and taste.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with aromatics beyond the basic onion and garlic. Adding a splash of white wine right after cooking the mushrooms can enhance the dish with a lovely acidity that complements the cream. Alternatively, finely chopped shallots can provide a sweeter bite. Just remember to reduce the liquid slightly if you opt for additional ingredients to maintain the recipe’s creamy consistency.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Preparing One Pot Creamy Mushroom Rice ahead of time can save valuable evening cooking time. You can pre-sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Simply reheat them in your pot, then add the rice and broth when you're ready to cook – just adjust your cooking time slightly as everything will be warmer than starting from scratch.

If you have leftovers, this dish refrigerates well for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it, as the rice will absorb the moisture during storage. Gently heat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Freezing is possible too, but the texture may change slightly; aim to use frozen leftovers within a month for the best flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to begin:

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure you have everything ready before you start!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your One Pot Creamy Mushroom Rice:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until they are softened and golden brown.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the Arborio rice and thyme, coating the rice with the oil and flavors. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Simmer the Rice

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in Cream and Seasoning

Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious home-cooked meal!

Pro Tips

For an added kick, consider incorporating a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. This will enhance the flavors without overpowering the dish.

Serving Suggestions

To complement the rich flavors of One Pot Creamy Mushroom Rice, consider serving it with steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Their bright color and fresh crunch can balance out the creaminess of the dish beautifully. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can also enhance the meal, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty rice.

For an added protein boost, serve this creamy rice alongside sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken. The mild flavors of both pair nicely with the savory mushroom base and creamy texture, making it a satisfying and complete dinner.

Variations to Try

While mushrooms take center stage in this recipe, you can easily switch things up based on your taste preferences or seasonal ingredients. Adding spinach, kale, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking introduces brightness and additional nutrients without compromising the dish's creamy consistency. Just make sure to chop any greens into smaller pieces for even cooking.

If you're looking for a bit more depth, consider incorporating herbs like rosemary, sage, or even a bit of truffle oil just before serving. These additions provide an elevated flavor profile to the dish, making it feel gourmet. Just a teaspoon of truffle oil can transform the aroma and entice your senses!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your dish turns out a bit dry, it often means the rice absorbed too much liquid or the heat was too high during cooking. Avoiding high heat can help maintain moisture while allowing the rice to cook uniformly. If this happens, simply stir in a bit more cream or broth to restore creaminess without starting over.

Occasionally, people encounter mushy rice if it's overcooked. Always keep an eye on the timer and do a taste test to check for doneness around the 15-minute mark. If you notice it's close but not quite ready, add a touch more liquid and cover again, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Stopping just before it reaches full doneness will ensure a perfect texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio?

While brown rice can be used, the cooking time and liquid ratio will differ, and the dish may not be as creamy.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute, and use vegetable broth.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add peas, spinach, or even bell peppers to enhance the dish and increase the nutrients.