Last updated on June 2nd, 2018 at 11:40 am
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo can be on your table in 15 minutes! While it’s perfect as a side dish, I prefer this as a meal on its own because it’s cheesy, creamy and really hits the spot.
Today’s been a crazy busy day full of appointments and grocery shopping, so on days like this there’s nothing I like more than a one pot 15 minute dish. And yes, this orzo dish is ready and on your dinner table in just 15 minutes. On top of it being super quick, it’s also very comforting and delicious. We’re talking creamy, cheesy orzo.
While this is the perfect side dish to your choice of protein, I really love to eat this as a meal on its own. This is all I need, a serving of this creamy cheesy goodness and I’m a happy girl.
I love cooking with orzo not only because it’s pasta, and hello, I’m a pasta lover, but simply because it’s really quick to cook. Quicker than rice. So if you’re in a time crunch and need a side dish that doesn’t require a lot of fuss but still want it to be delicious and impressive, orzo is your friend.
Another great thing about this recipe, besides it being, quick, one pot and delicious, is the fact that it’s quite versatile. I actually give you the basic recipe here, but feel free to add spinach to it, or broccoli, asparagus, peas, mushrooms. And don’t stop there, add in some chicken and get in some proteins too. If you do all that, you really do turn this awesome side dish, into an incredible meal.
Orzo is such an under-appreciated pasta! Add it to your weekly dinner rotation with some of my other recipes:
- One Pot Spicy Pork Ragu with Orzo
- One Pot Cheesy Taco Orzo
- Mediterranean Orzo Salad
- Lemon Orzo with Asparagus
- One Pot Greek Chicken Orzo
If you try this recipe, please let us know! Leave a comment, rate it and tag a photo #jocooks on Instagram so we can see it. I always love to see what you guys come up with!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 small onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups orzo dry
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp pepper or to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet add the olive oil, butter and cook for about 30 seconds until the butter melts. Stir in the onion and garlic and let it cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes aromatic.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and let it cook for about 2 minutes just in the oil so that it starts to toast lightly, this will give it a nutty flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper then stir in the chicken broth and half and half. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a medium-low, cover with a lid and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
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Nutrition
So decadent! My 8 year old approves! I added baby spinach, mushrooms and leftover chicken breast.
I made this recipe, I substituted one can of evaporated milk because I did not have enough half-and-half. It is delicious!
I am making this for the first time tonight with grilled shrimp, and was just curious if I’m supposed to use 1/2 cup of Parmesan or 1 1/2 cups? 1 1/2 just sounded like a lot, so I wanted to be sure. Thanks in advance!
It’s 1 1/2 cups. You can reduce the cheese if you want to.
Thank you! I made it tonight as a side dish for dinner, and my family visiting from out of town loved it! I used 1 cup of Parmesan with all other measurements the exact same, and it was delicious. Will definitely make again!
Glad you enjoyed it, Justine!
I seriously make this all the time now! Always a bit hit!
So flavorful and creamy. I just ate two bowls of heaven. Thank you!!!
Isn’t it amazing? We’re so glad you love it!
Easy recipe and great dish! Question: What temp should the skillet be at for steps 1 and 2? I ended up a little below medium-high. Also, my orzo (Barilla) took 10 minutes, FWIW.
Thanks for the great recipes!
Medium to medium-high is perfect. Yeah, different brands will have different cook times and may even require a splash more broth. Don’t worry if your cook times differ a bit from ours! It will still turn out delicious 🙂
It did! 🙂
I made this recipe recently (with chicken & asparagus) according to your recipe and the family absolutely loved it — this is an awesome week-night treat and will definitely be made again and again. Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure, glad you guys enjoyed it!
Made this last night. It was delicious, thank you! Definitely a keeper!
I’ve never had orzo this way. It looks mouth-watering!