Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender orzo cooked in flavorful broth, then enveloped in a luscious sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a quick and elegant side or main that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain Broth: Once the orzo is cooked, reserve about a half cup of the broth, then drain the remaining broth and set the orzo aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and the reserved broth, stirring well to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Melt Cheese and Mix Pasta: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked orzo to the saucepan and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Season and Thicken: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve in a dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for richer flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Grate the Parmesan fresh for best melting and flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the orzo to maintain a nice texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo, garlic orzo recipe, creamy pasta, easy Italian side dish, parmesan orzo, quick orzo recipe
