Why This Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni Is Perfect for You
There’s something so satisfying about a warm, comforting meal at the end of a busy day. This dish doesn’t just satisfy—it hugs you from the inside out. 🍽️ Whether you’re a fan of earthy mushrooms, crispy bacon, or creamy sauces, this Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni hits all the right notes.
Here’s why you’ll absolutely love this Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni:
One-Pan Wonder: Less washing up? Yes, please! Everything comes together in a single pan, so you’re not left with a mountain of dishes after enjoying your meal.
Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just around 20 minutes, making it ideal for hectic weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly: With everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank, this meal serves 4 and costs roughly $20. Feeding the family without overspending? That’s a win in my book.
Meal Prep Champion: This dish keeps well for days, making it perfect for meal prepping! The flavours get even better overnight, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
If you’re looking for a dish that combines simple ingredients with a big payoff, you’ve found it. Trust me, this one’s going straight into your meal rotation.
The Secret to Making the Best Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni
The magic of this Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni is in the layering of flavours. Here are some tips to make sure your dish is a hit every single time:
1. Get Your Bacon Crispy First 🥓
Start by cooking your diced bacon in the pan until it’s golden and slightly crispy. You want the bacon to render its fat, which will infuse the entire dish with a smoky, savoury flavour. Plus, the crispy bits of bacon add a delightful texture to the finished dish. Be sure to use a non-stick or cast iron pan for the best results.
2. Use Fresh Mushrooms 🍄
For the best texture and taste, opt for fresh mushrooms over canned. I love using a mix of button and Swiss brown mushrooms, as they bring different flavours and a bit of depth to the dish. They absorb the flavours of the bacon and garlic beautifully, making every mouthful savoury and satisfying.
3. Risoni Perfection 🍚
Risoni, or orzo as it’s sometimes called, is the star of this dish. This little pasta cooks up soft and creamy, absorbing all the flavours of the broth, garlic, and spices. Make sure to keep the lid on while it cooks to trap the steam and prevent it from drying out. Check it at the 8-minute mark—risoni cooks quickly, and you don’t want it to turn mushy.
4. Finish with a Squeeze of Lemon 🍋
The secret finishing touch is a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end. This might seem surprising, but it really brightens up the entire dish. It cuts through the richness of the cream and bacon, giving the dish a refreshing balance. Trust me, don’t skip this step!
Great for Meal Prep: Storing & Reheating 🍱
One of the best things about this Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni is how well it keeps for leftovers. It’s perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner during the week. Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro:
Storage Options
In the Fridge: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: This risoni freezes surprisingly well! Place it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 1 month. When freezing, be sure to leave a little space in the container for expansion.
Reheating Tips
Microwave: Add a splash of cream, milk, or water to the risoni before reheating to bring back its creamy consistency. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Stove: Reheat on low heat in a non-stick pan. Add a splash of liquid (cream, milk, or water) to loosen the sauce and keep it from drying out. Stir until warm and creamy.
Pro Tip: If you’re reheating from frozen, let the risoni thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavour.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the mushrooms, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This ensures they brown nicely instead of steaming.
Use Full-Flavoured Cream: Regular thickened cream works best here. You want a cream that will create a rich sauce without breaking down too easily.
Adjust the Consistency: If the risoni looks like it’s getting too thick or sticky, just add a splash of hot water or extra cream to loosen it up.
Fresh Herbs Are Your Friend: If you have fresh thyme, use it! Dried thyme is convenient, but a few sprigs of fresh thyme take the flavour up a notch.
How to Serve Your Creamy Mushroom & Bacon Risoni 🍽️
This Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or some roasted veggies. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top right before serving. Here are some of my favourite side dishes to serve with this risoni:
Garlic Bread: Mop up that creamy sauce with some warm garlic bread on the side.
Simple Green Salad: Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Veggies: Try roasted carrots or broccoli to add a bit of extra colour and nutrition to the meal.
Other Recipes to Try 🧑🍳
If you love this Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni, you’re in for a treat with these other easy, flavour-packed recipes:
Give this Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni a try, and let me know how it turns out! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. —I’d love to see your creations. 🍽️👩🍳 Don’t forget to follow along for more quick and easy dinners that are perfect for busy weeknights and budget-friendly cooking. Happy cooking!
Craving More? Try These Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Delights!
If you’re obsessed with this Creamy Mushroom & Bacon Risoni, you’ll love these other comforting, one-pan meals. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta, rice, or another creamy dish, I’ve got you covered with these easy, flavour-packed recipes!
1. Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta 🍝
A close cousin to our risoni dish, this creamy bacon and mushroom pasta swaps out the risoni for fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne—whatever you’ve got in the pantry! The sauce is just as rich and garlicky, but with a classic pasta twist. Want to elevate it even more? Add some grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Perfect for a quick and indulgent weeknight meal!
2. One-Pot Creamy Bacon and Mushroom 🍲
Love the flavours of bacon and mushrooms but want a dish that’s even simpler? This one-pot creamy bacon and mushroom dish is a dream come true. Instead of using pasta, this recipe combines crispy bacon, golden mushrooms, and a creamy garlic sauce with tender rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Everything cooks in one pot, so clean-up is a breeze!
3. Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta Bake 🧀
If you have a little extra time, turn your creamy bacon and mushroom pasta into a pasta bake! Once your pasta is cooked, transfer it to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top, and bake until golden and bubbly. This is a great meal-prep option because it reheats beautifully!
4. Chicken and Bacon Risoni 🍗
Want to add some extra protein to your Creamy Mushroom & Bacon Risoni? Try making a chicken and bacon risoni by tossing in diced, seared chicken breast or leftover rotisserie chicken. The chicken soaks up all the creamy, garlicky goodness, making this a hearty and satisfying meal. Bonus tip: If you have any leftover roast chicken, this is the perfect way to use it up!
Each of these dishes brings something a little different to the table while keeping the same creamy, smoky, and delicious flavours we love. Give them a try, and let me know which one is your favourite!
Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Let’s kick off Day 1 of my new series: quick, easy dinners for around $20. 🎉 This dish is everything you want on a busy weeknight—creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. My one-pan Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Risoni is a budget-friendly game-changer that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. 💛
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a pan with a little oil, add bacon and garlic, and cook until the bacon is golden and sizzling.
- Add mushrooms, chicken stock powder, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the risoni and boiling water. Stir it up, pop a lid on, and turn the heat to low. Let it cook for 8 minutes, or until the risoni is soft and absorbs all that goodness.
- Once cooked, stir through cream and spinach.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon for that fresh, zesty kick. Serve it up hot and watch it disappear!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock powder. For a bit of smoky flavour, you can add a dash of smoked paprika or even use a vegetarian bacon substitute.
Risoni, also known as orzo, is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavours well. If you can’t find risoni, you can substitute it with a small pasta shape like small shells or even pearl couscous, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
You can, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use evaporated milk or a combination of milk and a little cornstarch to maintain some creaminess.