I always turned my nose up at mushrooms as a kid, so it took me a long time to welcome these fantastic fungi into my diet as an adult, but I’m really glad that I did. Mushrooms are meaty, nutrient-dense, and ultra-filling, making them the ideal food if you’re looking to stay full and maintain your diet goals. If you had the same aversion to shrooms as a kid, I’d encourage you to try out a few of these creative recipes, all seven Weight Watchers points or under. Most likely, they’ll convert you to a mushroom-lover, like they did for me.
1. Weight Watchers Stuffed Mushrooms
These stuffed mushrooms are perfect last-minute snacks for your next brunch, book club, or impromptu get-together. The presentation is beautiful; they’re the ultimate finger food, and each serving is just two lone Weight Watchers points. Plus, you only need a handful of ingredients to transform your humble shrooms into something decadent. I like using a little turkey ham for a meaty bite that won’t pack on the pounds and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese to combine all the flavors.
2. Creamy Chicken Casserole
I love this dish because it tastes like it’s loaded with cream, but it’s just the silky combination of skim milk, chicken stock, and a bit of half-fat creme fraiche. Studded with tender chicken pieces and tons of sliced mushrooms, each bite is packed with umami flavor, which is the perfect foil for the creamy sauce. I like to use plenty of garlic to add additional flavor depth without any extra fat. Make it for a special weekend treat, and enjoy a generous portion for only six points.
3. Instant Pot Brown Rice Risotto with Mushrooms
This recipe comes together in a snap in the Instant Pot, and it’s ideal for those busy weekend nights when you’re craving carb-heavy pasta or takeout. At four Weight Watchers points per serving, it’s a smart choice. You can experiment with different kinds of mushrooms, too; just make sure that you don’t skimp on them because they are the star of the show. Asparagus adds a touch of color, nutrients, and flavor, and a bit of finely grated Parmesan cheese lends a silky finish. Let the Instant Pot work its magic, and you’ll have a complex and scrumptious dish in less than half an hour.
4. Chicken Breast Stuffed with Mushrooms and Mozzarella
This dish is my go-to weeknight dinner when I only have the energy to open a few cans and slice up some vegetables and want something homemade and ready in less than an hour. At three points per serving, it’s way more waistline-friendly than anything you could order in, and the combination of fresh and canned mushrooms gives it a fun variety of textures and flavors. Plus, tender chicken breast pairs beautifully with chunks of gooey mozzarella cheese and big pieces of mushrooms. It’s comfort-food heaven.
5. Weight Watchers Cauliflower Rice Mushroom Soup
This velvety and flavorful soup is a great three-point option for a crisp, end-of-summer night, and you can whip it up in just about thirty minutes. Save yourself some carbs, amp up the nutritional content of the soup with cauliflower rice, and add a variety of different mushrooms for a nuanced, earthy flavor. I find that fresh thyme works wonders in this coup, and it’s a good idea to use shallots, not onion, if you want a delicate flavor that never overpowers the mushrooms.
6. Portabello Mushroom Fajitas
These sizzling portabello mushroom fajitas are just one lone point per serving, and that’s counting the tortilla. Portabellos are an excellent stand-in for all types of meat, mimicking chicken or beef perfectly and soaking in all of the homemade seasoning. All you need are some vegetables; I prefer zucchini and bell pepper, but you can use any fixings you have on hand, and homemade fajita spice with some pantry staples like pepper, rosemary, coriander, and garlic powder.
7. Mushroom Stew
This savory, mushroom-packed stew is a vegan delight that clocks in at just two Weight Watchers points per serving and is bound to keep you full for hours. I like to use a variety of different mushrooms, including oysters and buttons, to add some taste interest and keep the stew rich and filling. Additionally, you’ll want to incorporate some root vegetables, like carrots and parsnips. I always add chili peppers for a spicy bite at the end, but you can skip them if you prefer a milder but still intensely flavorful creation.
8. Weight Watchers Italian Skillet Chicken Masala
Next time you’re in the mood for Italian, do your waistline a favor and opt for this two-point skillet Chicken Masala packed with plenty of mushrooms and fresh thyme. Marsala wine lends this dish its authentic flavor, so opt for the real thing rather than swapping in any other red variety. Other than that, all you need is some olive oil, chicken breasts, spices, chicken broth, and plenty of sliced mushrooms to make this sizzling skillet of scrumptiousness sing.
9. Beef with Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce
Next time you’re craving Chinese takeout, pull out this thirty-minute, three-point recipe inside. It gets from the fridge to your table in just about half an hour and is bound to satisfy your cravings with umami-rich oyster sauce, plenty of chunky mushrooms, beef strips, and some fresh ginger. A splash of soy sauce gives it all of the salt it needs, and a few spring onions freshen up the plate and add visual interest. You’ll throw those takeout menus in the trash for good!
10. Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms
Balsamic vinegar’s caramelly, tart flavor helps fresh, sliced mushrooms shine in this super easy four-point dish. It’s another one of my weeknight favorites, as I can get it on my plate in about 20 minutes, including prep time. Stir up some balsamic, Dijon mustard, and garlic and liberally coat your chicken breasts, then saute them in a bit of oil. When the chicken is done, gently cook your mushrooms with residual oil and spices. Add a splash of broth and a touch of thyme, and cook until brown and fork tender.
11. Weight Watchers Mushroom Pizza
This recipe is a great way to introduce your kids to the joys of mushrooms by incorporating them into a classic food: pizza. Plus, you can snack guiltlessly, too, as these personal pies are just three points per serving. Using Thomas Lite English Muffins as the base, liberally coat each with pizza sauce, scatter some cheese, and top with plenty of sliced mushrooms. Toast until golden, and you will have a weeknight winner.
12. Spinach, Mushroom, and Asiago Quiche
Quiche is one of my all-time favorite foods, but often, it’s too high in calories and fat to fit into my diet budget. That’s one of the reasons why I adore this six-point brunch favorite featuring sharp Asiago cheese, mushrooms, and plenty of nutrient-rich spinach. Pre-made pie crust dough is the ideal short-cut ingredient, and for the filling, you just need eggs, cottage cheese, grated cheese, Asiago, spinach, onions, mushrooms, and a splash of milk. It’s easy enough to bake for the family but elegant enough to work for your next brunch party.
13. Vegan Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy are my favorite comfort food, and this meatless spin featuring satiny mushroom gravy hits the spot. It’s got all of your nostalgic flavors, like doughy, gravy-soaked biscuits and a tasty gravy packed with button and oyster mushrooms. This nostalgic, stick-to-your-ribs riff on a classic comes in at just seven Weight Watchers points.
It’s time to start celebrating the humble mushroom. With so many fabulous varieties and applications, mushrooms deserve to be at the center of your dinner plate.
