orzo and parmesan recipe

orzo and parmesan recipe

The Best orzo and parmesan recipe

I’ve been making orzo and parmesan for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The dish is simple yet flavorful, with a nutty orzo and a rich parmesan cheese that pairs perfectly together. I like to serve it as a side dish, but it’s also great as a light lunch or dinner option.

One of the things I love about orzo and parmesan is its versatility – it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs. My kids adore it when I add some steamed broccoli or cherry tomatoes to the mix. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cooking time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Orzo and parmesan is also a great way to get in some extra veggies without even realizing it – the orzo is a good source of fiber, and the parmesan cheese adds a boost of protein. Plus, it’s so satisfying to eat a warm, comforting bowl of goodness on a chilly evening.

Over the years, I’ve perfected my recipe to include just the right balance of flavors – not too salty, not too bland. And the best part? It’s a dish that never gets old – whether I’m serving it at home or taking it to potlucks and gatherings, everyone always asks for the recipe.

My husband even requests it for special occasions like birthday dinners – that’s how much we all love it! As you can see from my recipe below, making orzo and parmesan is quite straightforward: just cook up some orzo according to package directions, then toss in some grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley (if you like). Serve hot and enjoy!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how customizable it is – if you’re feeling fancy, add some dried cranberries or chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor. But honestly? It’s perfect just as-is – no frills needed.

Creamy Orzo and Parmesan

Creamy Orzo and Parmesan

4.8 from 1424 votes

A quick and comforting side dish featuring tender orzo pasta coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or fish.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Orzo

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it foams.
2Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3Add the orzo pasta and stir to coat with the butter for 1 minute.
4The orzo should look slightly toasted and smell nutty.
5Pour in the broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
6Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7The pasta should be al dente with a slight bite.
8Remove the saucepan from the heat.
9Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
10The mixture should coat the back of a spoon.
11Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
12Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
13Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use low-sodium broth. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Orzo and Parmesan Works

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years – I’ve even taken it to potlucks and family gatherings where everyone raves about it. One reason I love serving this dish is because everyone can customize their own portion with their favorite toppings – if they want more cheese or less veggies, they can easily adjust accordingly.

Plus, since this recipe makes such large quantities (perfect for big families!) , leftovers are always welcome at our house.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Orzo and Parmesan

Q: What is orzo?

Orzo is a type of pasta that resembles rice grains in shape. It’s made from wheat flour and water.

Q: Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

No! Orzo has a unique texture that makes it perfect for this recipe.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Sure! You can cook the orzo up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the dish.

Q: Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

Nope! A large pot will do just fine for cooking the orzo.

Q: Can I add other ingredients besides parmesan cheese?

You bet! Some options include chopped fresh parsley, dried cranberries, sliced olives, chopped fresh basil – get creative!

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