Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich blend of garlic, butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly creamy with a subtle garlicky kick and garnished with fresh parsley, it makes an ideal accompaniment to a variety of meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Broth
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
Flavorings and Dairy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast the Orzo: Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta into the skillet with the garlic and butter. Toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently so the pasta develops a lightly golden color and a nutty aroma.
- Add Chicken Broth and Simmer: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, about 8–10 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the mixture turns creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- To make it lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Be sure to stir the orzo frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Adding freshly cracked black pepper enhances the flavor profile.
- Serve immediately for best creamy texture; leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Keywords: Creamy Orzo, Garlic Parmesan Orzo, Easy Side Dish, Italian Side, Creamy Pasta, One Pan Orzo
Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-orzo-recipe/
