Introduction

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a decadent dish featuring tender orzo pasta coated in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect as a comforting side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients:

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to heat through.

Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked orzo to the pot and stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat through.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variations:

Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits to turn this into a more filling main course. The protein complements the creamy sauce beautifully and enhances the dish’s nutritional value.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added texture and a pop of color. The vegetables bring balance and freshness to the richness of the dish.
Cheese Substitution: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own distinct flavor profile, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Notes:

For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or shrimp.
Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for added depth of flavor.
Make it vegetarian-friendly by ensuring the Parmesan cheese is rennet-free.

Serving Suggestions:

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon to create a well-rounded meal. The creamy orzo complements protein-rich main courses, balancing the flavors and textures on the plate.
In a Buffet Spread: This dish works wonderfully in potlucks or buffet-style gatherings, as it’s easy to prepare in larger quantities and retains its flavor when reheated.
Garnish for Appeal: For a finishing touch, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of parsley. This elevates both the presentation and taste, making it feel restaurant-quality.

Tips:

Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most robust flavor. Avoid jarred garlic, as it often lacks the depth of flavor that fresh garlic imparts to the dish.
Warm the Broth: Heat the vegetable broth before adding it to the pot to maintain a consistent cooking temperature. This ensures the sauce thickens evenly without sudden drops in heat.
Reserve Pasta Water: Save a small amount of the orzo cooking water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. The starch in the water also helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even small shells can be used as substitutes. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore its creamy consistency.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative made from rice or corn. Ensure the broth and Parmesan cheese you use are certified gluten-free.

What can I do if my sauce turns out too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water or warm broth to reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that combines rich flavors with a simple preparation method. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or elevate it with added protein and vegetables, this recipe is guaranteed to bring comfort and satisfaction to your table. Try it today and savor the luxurious combination of garlic, Parmesan, and perfectly cooked orzo!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Author: Avery

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to heat through.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked orzo to the pot and stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat through.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or shrimp.
Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for added depth of flavor.

Make it vegetarian-friendly by ensuring the Parmesan cheese is rennet-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Category: Side Dish
Method: Stove-Top
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2 g

Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g

Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g

Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Creamy Orzo, Garlic Parmesan Orzo, Easy Pasta Recipe