Dinner

One-Pan Farro Recipe with Mushrooms and Peas

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This one-pan farro recipe is basically magic in a cast iron skillet – you throw everything in, let it bubble away, and somehow end up with something that tastes like you’ve been perfecting it for years.

One-Pan Farro Recipe with Mushrooms and Peas

The earthy mushrooms practically melt into the nutty farro while those bright green peas add little pops of sweetness that make each bite feel like spring decided to crash the party.

What makes this recipe absolutely genius is that it’s impossible to mess up – the farro absorbs all those gorgeous flavors while you’re doing literally anything else with your life.

The fresh mint and Parmesan at the end transform this from “healthy grain bowl” to “restaurant-quality masterpiece” faster than you can say “one-pan wonder.”

You’ll get that perfect chewy texture from the farro, umami richness from the mushrooms, and a brightness from the herbs that makes your kitchen smell like a Mediterranean dream.

This is the kind of recipe that makes people think you’re some sort of culinary wizard, when really you just followed directions and didn’t burn anything – which, let’s be honest, is an achievement in itself.

Ingredients

For the base

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 green onions, chopped
8 oz baby bella mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed and sliced
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon chopped garlic

For the farro mixture

1 cup Italian Pearled Farro
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
Salt and pepper to taste
2¼ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

For finishing

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables

1 Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a deep skillet with a lid over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and moves freely around the pan. A cast iron skillet works beautifully here, but any heavy-bottomed pan with a tight-fitting lid will deliver excellent results.
2 Add the chopped green onions, sliced mushrooms, and frozen peas to the hot oil. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to release their moisture and the green onions become fragrant. The mushrooms should start to turn golden brown around the edges.
3 Add the chopped garlic and stir briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter quickly at this temperature.

Build the farro base

4 Add the farro, sweet paprika, fresh thyme leaves, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. The farro should become lightly toasted and fragrant, and the paprika will coat everything in a beautiful golden color.

Add liquid and simmer

5 Meanwhile, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a separate pot. This step is crucial – adding hot broth prevents the temperature in your skillet from dropping too dramatically, which ensures even cooking.
6 Carefully add the boiling broth to the farro mixture. The liquid will bubble vigorously at first, so pour slowly to avoid splashing. Bring everything to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to medium-low.

Finish cooking

7 Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 20 minutes until the liquid is almost completely absorbed. The farro should be tender but still have a pleasant chewiness. If there’s still liquid remaining after 20 minutes, continue cooking uncovered for 2-3 minutes more.
8 Remove from heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh mint leaves. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly and release the mint’s aromatic oils. Serve warm and enjoy the Mediterranean flavors!

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results)

Deep skillet with lid – A cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan distributes heat evenly and prevents hot spots that could burn the farro
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Essential for stirring the farro without scratching your cookware, plus they won’t conduct heat like metal utensils
Sharp chef’s knife – Makes quick work of chopping green onions and slicing mushrooms uniformly for even cooking
Cutting board – A sturdy wooden or plastic board provides a stable surface for prep work

Helpful Upgrades

Kitchen scale – Measuring farro by weight (about 6 oz for 1 cup) ensures consistent results every time
Microplane grater – Creates fluffy, restaurant-quality grated Parmesan that melts beautifully into the warm farro
Instant-read thermometer – Helps ensure your broth reaches a proper boil before adding to the skillet

Nice-to-Have Options

Mandoline slicer – Creates perfectly uniform mushroom slices for professional presentation
Storage containers – Glass containers with tight-fitting lids keep leftovers fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace farro with 1 cup quinoa and reduce cooking time to 15 minutes
Use 1 cup brown rice with 25-30 minutes cooking time for a nuttier texture
¾ cup wild rice creates an elegant, chewy alternative with 35-40 minutes cooking time

Dairy-Free Modifications

Substitute Parmesan with ¼ cup nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy
Add 2 tablespoons tahini stirred in at the end for richness and depth
Use ¼ cup toasted pine nuts for added texture and healthy fats

Vegan Version

Replace Parmesan with ¼ cup cashew cream or vegan parmesan
Add 1 tablespoon white miso paste to the broth for umami depth
Include 2 tablespoons hemp seeds for protein and nutty flavor

Protein-Packed Variations

Stir in 1 cup cooked white beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking
Add 8 oz diced firm tofu with the mushrooms for extra protein
Include ½ cup cooked lentils for a heartier, more filling meal

Seasonal Flavor Variations

Spring: Add asparagus spears and fresh dill instead of peas and mint
Summer: Include cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for Mediterranean flair
Fall: Substitute butternut squash and sage for a warming autumn dish
Winter: Add roasted root vegetables and rosemary for comfort food appeal

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This one-pan farro recipe delivers approximately 320 calories per serving with a balanced macronutrient profile. Each serving provides about 12 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber, and 45 grams of complex carbohydrates. The olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, while the Parmesan adds calcium and additional protein for sustained energy.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Farro stands out as an ancient grain powerhouse, providing selenium for immune function and magnesium for bone health. The baby bella mushrooms contribute B vitamins, particularly riboflavin and niacin, plus potassium for heart health. Green peas pack vitamin K for bone strength and folate for cellular function. Fresh thyme offers antioxidants including thymol, which has antimicrobial properties, while mint provides menthol compounds that aid digestion.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains gluten from the farro and dairy from the Parmesan cheese. It’s naturally vegetarian and provides a complete amino acid profile when the grain and vegetable proteins combine. The high fiber content supports digestive health, while the complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy without blood sugar spikes. Each serving delivers approximately 25% of your daily fiber needs and significant amounts of iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Farro → Pearl barley (same cooking time and liquid ratio)
Baby bella mushrooms → Cremini or button mushrooms sliced to same thickness
Frozen peas → Fresh peas (add during last 5 minutes of cooking)
Fresh thyme → 1 teaspoon dried thyme (add with paprika)
Vegetable broth → Chicken broth for deeper flavor

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Parmesan cheese → Sharp cheddar or Romano cheese grated fresh
Baby bella mushrooms → Regular button mushrooms for similar texture
Fresh mint → Fresh parsley or dried mint (use half the amount)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Green onions → ½ medium yellow onion diced small
Italian pearled farro → Regular farro (increase cooking time by 10 minutes)
Sweet paprika → Regular paprika plus pinch of sugar
Fresh garlic → ½ teaspoon garlic powder mixed with the dry ingredients

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

Store opened farro in airtight containers for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place
When using dried herbs instead of fresh, add them earlier in the cooking process to allow flavors to develop
If substituting different grains, adjust liquid ratios accordingly – quinoa needs less liquid, while brown rice requires more

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Portion & Carb Management:

Reduce farro to ¾ cup and add 1 cup cauliflower rice to lower carbs by approximately 15 grams per serving
Serve smaller portions (about ¾ cup) alongside protein-rich foods like grilled chicken or fish
Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to increase volume without significantly increasing carbs

Fiber-Boosting Modifications:

Include 1 cup chopped spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking for added fiber and nutrients
Add ½ cup cooked white beans to increase protein and fiber, which helps slow glucose absorption
Stir in 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed at the end for omega-3 fatty acids and additional fiber

Blood Sugar Balancing Tips:

Pair with 4-6 oz lean protein such as grilled salmon or chicken breast to create a balanced meal
Add healthy fats like 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or 1 tablespoon olive oil to slow carbohydrate absorption
Consume as part of a meal rather than alone to minimize blood sugar spikes

Total Carb Reduction: These modifications can reduce carbs from 45g to approximately 30-35g per serving while maintaining satisfying portion sizes and flavors.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the earthy mushrooms and fresh herbs beautifully, while the wine’s acidity balances the rich Parmesan. For beer lovers, a Belgian wheat beer or light pilsner enhances the grain’s nuttiness without overwhelming the delicate mint flavors. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon or iced green tea to cleanse the palate between bites.

Side Dish Recommendations

Grilled asparagus with lemon zest provides a perfect textural contrast to the chewy farro, while roasted cherry tomatoes add bursts of acidity that brighten each bite. A simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness, and crusty sourdough bread makes this into a complete, satisfying meal. For cooler weather, roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic create a harmonious vegetable medley.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with Mediterranean olives and hummus as an appetizer, then serve the farro as a main course alongside grilled chicken thighs or pan-seared salmon. For vegetarian dinners, pair with roasted eggplant or grilled portobello mushrooms. Finish with fresh berries and Greek yogurt or lemon sorbet for a light, refreshing dessert that won’t compete with the savory herb flavors.

Occasion Suggestions

This recipe shines at casual dinner parties where you want something impressive but manageable, weekend family dinners that feel special without being fussy, and meal prep sessions since it reheats beautifully. It’s perfect for spring entertaining when fresh herbs are abundant, and elegant enough for holiday side dishes when you need something sophisticated but not complicated.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Toast the farro in the oil before adding liquid – this extra step develops deeper, nuttier flavors that separate good farro from restaurant-quality results. Always use hot broth rather than cold to maintain consistent cooking temperature and prevent the farro from becoming gummy. Finish with fresh herbs off the heat to preserve their bright flavors and vibrant colors.

Common Mistake Prevention

Don’t skip the lid during cooking – uncovered farro becomes dry and unevenly cooked. Avoid stirring too frequently once the liquid is added, as this releases excess starch and creates a mushy texture. Never add the Parmesan while the pan is still on heat, as high temperatures can cause the cheese to become stringy rather than creamy.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, or warm in a skillet over low heat. The farro actually improves in flavor after a day, making it perfect for meal prep. Freeze portions for up to 3 months, though the texture will be slightly softer after thawing.

Scaling and Make-Ahead

Double the recipe easily in a large Dutch oven, increasing cooking time by 5-10 minutes. For make-ahead meals, prepare everything except the final cheese and herb addition, then reheat and finish just before serving. The dish can be held warm in a low oven for up to 30 minutes before serving, making it perfect for entertaining.

This one-pan wonder proves that simple ingredients, when treated with respect and cooked with confidence, create meals that nourish both body and soul. Every forkful delivers the satisfying comfort of perfectly cooked grains, the earthiness of mushrooms, and the brightness of fresh herbs – a combination that transforms everyday dinner into something truly special.