Let me introduce you to the ultimate weeknight pasta side dish: Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas. Imagine a luscious, risotto-like orzo swirled with nutty Parmesan, pops of sweet green peas, and just enough creaminess to make every forkful feel comforting and luxurious. It’s impossibly quick, endlessly versatile, and steals the spotlight at any dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner for two or need an effortlessly impressive side for company, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas plays an important part, creating layers of flavor and that crave-worthy creamy texture. You don’t need anything fussy—just a handful of staples that work in harmony for a dreamy result.

Olive oil: Adds a fruity, rich base flavor and helps the butter from burning.
Unsalted butter: Brings indulgent flavor and silkiness to the orzo.
Garlic (minced): Gives that delicious savory aroma and depth every irresistible pasta needs.
Orzo pasta: The star—this rice-shaped pasta gives a creamy, risotto-like bite without stirring for ages.
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses the orzo with loads of savory flavor and keeps things perfectly moist.
Frozen peas: Offer a burst of color and sweet freshness in every bite—no need to thaw!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta for a nutty, cheesy finish that makes the dish ultra-creamy.
Heavy cream (or milk): Adds lusciousness—use cream for richness, or milk to lighten things up.
Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Chopped parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh pop of green and herby brightness.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil and butter together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. The oil keeps the butter from burning, while both create a golden base. Add your minced garlic and give it a quick stir—30 seconds is enough for it to turn fragrant and tempting, so your kitchen will already start smelling incredible.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo

Next, scoop in your orzo, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes. Toasting the orzo in the garlicky butter gives it a brilliant nutty note and ensures that delicious creamy texture later on.

Step 3: Simmer in Broth

Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let everything cook for 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally—this helps the orzo cook evenly and prevents sticking. The pasta will get tender as it soaks up most of the savory liquid, like a speedy version of risotto.

Step 4: Add Peas, Cheese, and Cream

With most of the broth absorbed, stir in the frozen peas, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (or milk). The heat wilts the peas and melts the cheese into a dreamy, glossy sauce. Give everything 2–3 more minutes until the peas are tender and the orzo is irresistibly creamy.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finally, taste your creation and add salt and pepper as needed. Remove from the heat and, if you like, sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas warm, and get ready for rave reviews from everyone at the table!

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped parsley gives Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas a fresh, vibrant look. If you want to up the wow factor, add a little lemon zest or extra grated Parmesan over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This delicious orzo pairs beautifully with a wide array of mains. Try it alongside roasted chicken, seared salmon, or even a crispy tofu steak for a complete meal. A simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette also complements the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas in shallow bowls for a risotto-inspired presentation, or spoon it into individual ramekins for a dinner party-ready side. For a playful touch, stuff the orzo into roasted bell peppers or heap it onto a platter topped with grilled veggies and a squeeze of lemon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing isn’t recommended for this dish since the creamy sauce can separate. If you must, freeze in a well-sealed container for up to a month and be aware the texture may change a bit after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen things up, then warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until piping hot. The stove gives the best results, but a microwave works in a pinch too.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your Parmesan is suitable for vegetarians. The dish still turns out ultra savory and satisfying.

What can I use instead of peas?

You have lots of options—spinach, finely chopped asparagus, or even corn all make wonderful stand-ins for peas. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking until tender.

How do I keep the orzo from getting mushy?

Be sure to simmer the orzo gently and check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended cooking time. Stir occasionally and don’t overcook—it should be tender but have a little bite.

Is there a way to lighten up Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas?

Definitely! You can swap the heavy cream for whole or low-fat milk, or even use half-and-half. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still taste lovely and creamy.

Can I turn this into a main dish?

Yes! Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas makes a fantastic base for a meal. Stir in cooked shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted veggies to easily turn it into a hearty one-pot dinner.

Final Thoughts

Give Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas a try when you want comfort, flavor, and ease all in one pot. It’s the kind of simple, soul-warming recipe that you’ll return to again and again—and I guarantee your table will be full of smiles!

Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that combines orzo pasta with sweet peas, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce. Perfect as a side dish or light main course!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil and butter. Add minced garlic, cook until fragrant.
Toast Orzo: Stir in orzo, toast for 1-2 minutes.
Cook Orzo: Pour in broth, bring to a boil, simmer covered for 8-10 minutes until tender.
Add Peas and Cream: Stir in peas, Parmesan, and cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes until creamy.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley. Serve warm.