Creamy Mushroom Garlic Rice

Name: Creamy Mushroom Garlic Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup arborio rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Collection

I absolutely adore this Creamy Mushroom Garlic Rice recipe! The combination of earthy mushrooms and aromatic garlic creates a comforting, rich flavor that I can't resist. It makes for a perfect side dish or a delightful vegetarian main course. I've perfected the creamy consistency by adding just the right amount of broth and cream, ensuring every grain of rice is coated in that luscious sauce. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make it again and again!

Created by

Matilda Rowe

Last updated on 2026-01-19T23:29:35.043Z

When I was experimenting with different rice recipes, I stumbled upon the perfect way to elevate simple rice into a creamy masterpiece. The secret lies in sautéing the mushrooms and garlic first—this allows the flavors to deepen, making each bite deliciously aromatic. I also like to use arborio rice, as its starchiness gives the dish that desired creamy consistency.

This creamy mushroom garlic rice has become a staple at our dinner table. It's a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. Players can beef it up by adding peas or spinach—everyone always goes back for seconds!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich and savory mushroom flavor combined with garlicky warmth
Creamy texture that envelops each grain of rice
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner

Perfecting the Creamy Consistency

Achieving the ideal creamy texture in this dish hinges on the choice of rice. Arborio rice, with its high starch content, releases creaminess as it cooks, making it perfect for risottos and creamy dishes. I recommend stirring frequently to coax out the starch; this process ensures each grain becomes beautifully coated in the sauce and prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

The addition of the heavy cream at the end is crucial; it enhances the creaminess without overpowering the dish. You can experiment with the amount based on your preference for richness. If you desire a lighter version, consider substituting half of the cream with almond milk or coconut milk for a vegan twist while maintaining some creaminess.

Mushroom Varieties and Enhancements

For the best flavor impact, I suggest using a mixture of mushrooms. Cremini and shiitake mushrooms offer a deeper earthy profile, while button mushrooms provide a milder taste. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of dried mushrooms, soaked in warm water, for an additional umami kick. Just be sure to chop them finely and add them alongside the fresh mushrooms.

Fresh herbs can elevate the dish even further. While parsley is a classic garnish, consider adding fresh thyme or a touch of rosemary during the cooking process for a herbaceous note. These additions can complement the savory depth of the mushrooms beautifully.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you find yourself with leftovers, Creamy Mushroom Garlic Rice stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, I recommend adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the rice, ensuring it remains creamy. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

For serving, this creamy rice pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, a simple salad, or even as a bed for roasted chicken or fish. It can also stand alone as a vegetarian dish, enhanced with some grated parmesan for those who are not vegan. Feel free to adjust the richness by varying the cream or adding a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Ingredients

1 cup arborio rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they're golden brown and tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

Cook the Rice

Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly. Then, gradually add the vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed.

Add Cream and Season

Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine.

Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot. Enjoy this creamy delight as a side dish or main course!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine while cooking the mushrooms.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your rice is too sticky, it might be due to cooking it too aggressively or not stirring enough. Too much heat can cause the starch to clump together rather than release into the sauce. To correct this, consider lowering the heat and vigorously stirring the rice to break it apart. If you’ve overcooked the rice, you can try adding a splash more broth to revive it a bit.

Equally, if your rice is too dry, ensure you’re adding the broth gradually and watching the absorption level before adding more. The right timing is essential; it should soak up enough liquid without becoming mushy. Keep an eye on the texture—it should be creamy and slightly al dente.

Scaling Up for a Crowd

Scaling up this recipe for a larger gathering is easy! Simply multiply each ingredient proportionally—just keep in mind your cooking vessel size. A large pot or skillet is essential to ensure even cooking and to allow proper evaporation of excess liquid.

When making larger batches, it might take a little longer for the rice to cook evenly due to the increased quantity. Ensure to stir more frequently and taste for doneness—this way, all the flavors meld beautifully without risking undercooked rice.

Creative Variations

Feel free to customize this dish to suit your taste buds! You can add some sautéed spinach or kale for a nutritious boost, or stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet-tart tang that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy mushrooms.

For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or stir in sriracha. If you're after a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine before the broth, allowing the alcohol to evaporate while enriching the dish with complexity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use white rice instead of arborio?

While arborio rice is ideal for its creaminess, you can use white rice, but the consistency will be different.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use olive oil instead of butter for a vegan version.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to revive its creaminess.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

Feel free to add peas, spinach, or even cooked chicken for added protein and variety!