garlic parmesan orzo recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
garlic parmesan orzo recipe
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The Best garlic parmesan orzo recipe

I’ve been making this garlic parmesan orzo recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. I love the way the garlic and parmesan flavors meld together, creating a rich and savory taste experience.

My kids go crazy for the orzo, and it’s become a staple in our household. We’ve even served it at family gatherings and parties, where it’s always been a crowd-pleaser.

One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a base for other recipes. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the orzo, garlic, and parmesan cheese.

I’ve tried many different variations of this recipe over the years, but this one remains my favorite. The key to making this dish is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overcook the orzo – you want it to retain some bite and texture.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do. When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, cooking up a batch of this garlic parmesan orzo always seems to calm me down and put me in a better mood.

Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Garlic Parmesan Orzo

4.9 from 1007 votes

This creamy garlic parmesan orzo is a quick and comforting side dish or light main course. The orzo is cooked in a savory broth with garlic and finished with Parmesan cheese for a rich, satisfying flavor.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat with the butter and garlic.
4Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is lightly toasted and golden.
5Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
6Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
8Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
9Remove the skillet from the heat.
10Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
11Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 33g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 11g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.

Watch Video Of How Garlic Parmesan Orzo Works

This garlic parmesan orzo is a great addition to any meal – whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

If you want to reheat leftovers, simply microwave them until warm through – add some extra parmesan cheese on top if desired! For serving ideas, try pairing this dish with roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for added texture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

This recipe calls for orzo, which is a type of pasta that’s small in size but packed with flavor. You can also use other types of small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by cooking the orzo and letting it cool before adding the garlic and parmesan mixture. Simply refrigerate until ready to serve.

Q: How long does this recipe take to cook?

This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to cook from start to finish, depending on how quickly you can chop the garlic and grate the parmesan cheese.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with different seasonings?

Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding different seasonings like dried herbs, grated cheese, or even some red pepper flakes for added heat.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian-friendly broth instead of chicken broth.

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