Grind shiitake mushrooms in spice grinder until finely ground (you should have about 3 tablespoons).
Melt butter in Dutch oven over med-high heat.
Add sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, onion, tomato paste, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are browned and dark fond develops on bottom of pot, 15 minutes.
Add sherry, and cook until reduced about 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
Add ground mushrooms, broth, 3 cups water, dried thyme, and soy sauce, and bring to boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes.
Stir in orzo and cook for 8 minutes.
Whisk cornstarch and remaining ¼ cup water in small bowl. Stir cornstarch slurry into soup, return to simmer, and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Remove pot from heat and stir in cream, and lemon zest.
Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Test for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.