Description
Creamy garlic parmesan orzo delivers rich, cheesy comfort in just 15 minutes using one skillet. This rice-shaped pasta soaks up garlicky sauce for a side dish or main that rivals risotto but skips the fuss.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups dry orzo pasta
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable for vegetarian)
1 1/2 cups half-and-half (or 3/4 cup milk + 3/4 cup heavy cream)
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts, about 30 seconds. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant and softened, stirring often.
2. Toast orzo: Stir in dry orzo. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden and nutty. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and half-and-half. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid mostly absorbed. Stir twice to prevent sticking.
4. Finish sauce: Remove lid. Stir in grated parmesan and parsley until cheese melts into creamy sauce, 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat; let sit 2 minutes to thicken.
Notes
Substitutions: Use shallots instead of onion for sweetness. Swap veg broth and nutritional yeast for vegan. Freshly grate parmesan for smooth melt; pre-shredded often clumps.
Expert tips: Toast orzo every time for deeper flavor. Add dairy after broth simmers to avoid curdling. Fresh garlic outperforms jarred.
Storage: Fridge 3-4 days in airtight container. Reheat with broth splash. Avoid freezing.
- Prep Time: PT5M
- Cook Time: PT10M
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg