This creamy mushroom wild rice is a one-pan wonder that’s as comforting as it is nutritious.
Packed with fiber-rich wild rice, vitamin-loaded mushrooms, and heart-healthy olive oil, it’s a satisfying plant-forward dish.
Quick to prepare and versatile for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s a wholesome, protein-friendly option that’s perfect for everyday cooking without compromising flavor.
Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice
Equipment
- 1-Large skillet
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef’s knife
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Lid for Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup wild rice or rice blend
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the small onion into fine pieces, slice the mushrooms evenly, and mince the garlic cloves. This ensures that each ingredient cooks uniformly and releases its full flavor. Measure out the olive oil, broth, wild rice, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese so that everything is ready to go, keeping the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
- Heat the Skillet and Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to warm until it shimmers slightly but is not smoking. This step is crucial because it helps the onions and mushrooms sauté evenly without sticking to the pan, giving the dish a rich, nutty flavor from the olive oil.
- Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms: Add the diced onions to the skillet first. Stir frequently and cook for about 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften and turn translucent. Then, add the sliced mushrooms. Continue to sauté for an additional 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release moisture and start to brown slightly, intensifying their earthy flavor and creating the foundation for a rich, creamy rice dish.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Once the onions and mushrooms are tender, add the minced garlic. Stir for about one minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Immediately sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. These seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and bring a savory depth to the dish.
- Incorporate Broth and Wild Rice: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the wild rice. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. Turn the heat to high just long enough for the broth to reach a rolling boil. This step allows the rice to begin absorbing liquid evenly, ensuring a tender, fluffy texture in the final dish.
- Simmer the Rice: Once the liquid comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer for 15 minutes, undisturbed. This slow cooking allows the wild rice to absorb the flavors from the broth, mushrooms, and seasoning fully. Avoid lifting the lid too frequently, as the trapped steam is essential for perfectly cooked rice.
- Rest the Rice: After 15 minutes of simmering, remove the skillet from heat but keep the lid on. Allow the rice to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period lets the rice grains finish cooking gently and helps the flavors meld together, making the dish more cohesive and flavorful.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Carefully remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cream coats the rice and the cheese melts into a silky, indulgent sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the creamy mushroom wild rice to a serving dish or serve directly from the skillet. Garnish with additional Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, or can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty, vegetarian-friendly main course.
Notes
- Wild rice cooking times vary depending on the brand or blend, so always check your package instructions to ensure perfectly tender grains.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Sauté mushrooms thoroughly to release moisture and enhance their natural umami flavor before adding the rice.
- Leftover rice thickens when stored; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
Chef’s Secrets for Maximum Flavor
To elevate this creamy mushroom wild rice, start by selecting high-quality mushrooms—cremini or baby bella add deeper flavor.
Don’t rush the sautéing stage; allowing the onions and mushrooms to caramelize slightly develops a rich, savory base.
Toasting the dry wild rice in the skillet for 1–2 minutes before adding liquid can also enhance nuttiness.
Finally, stirring in the cream and Parmesan off the heat preserves a silky, luscious texture without curdling.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with both plant-based and protein-rich mains.
Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a hearty dinner, or enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian main with a crisp green salad.
For extra flair, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top, or add a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious twist.
Its creamy texture makes it perfect for dinner parties or casual weeknight meals alike.
Storage Tips to Keep Fresh
Store any leftover mushroom wild rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove.
Avoid microwaving directly from frozen, as it may cause uneven heating and dryness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of rice?
Yes! Long-grain white rice, basmati, or jasmine rice work well, but cooking times may need adjusting. Wild rice provides a nuttier flavor and chewy texture, but the dish remains delicious with other rice varieties.
2. Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
As written, it’s vegetarian if using vegetable broth. To make it vegan, substitute the cream with coconut or oat cream and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the rice up to 1 day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture before serving.
4. How can I enhance the mushroom flavor?
For extra depth, try using a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster. Adding a teaspoon of soy sauce or a small drizzle of truffle oil just before serving also boosts the umami richness.
5. Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and any cheese or cream substitutes are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
