Description
Creamy Parmesan Orzo is a delightful dish that combines orzo pasta with a rich and flavorful Parmesan cheese sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect as a side dish or a light main course, offering a comforting and satisfying meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta:
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Seasoning and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo and cook for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the pasta. Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until creamy and cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- You can also stir in sautéed spinach, peas, or cooked mushrooms for added veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
