Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a comforting and luscious side dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked to perfection in a savory garlic butter sauce, enriched with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a quick and easy recipe that pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Broth
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Creamy and Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Saute Garlic: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to release its aromatic flavors.
- Toast Orzo: Stir the orzo into the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the pasta.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the orzo warm as a side dish or light main.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach during the simmering step.
- Ensure not to overcook orzo to avoid mushiness; it should be tender but firm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo, garlic orzo, creamy orzo recipe, easy side dish, Italian pasta side
Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-orzo-recipe/
