Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

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!

5 from 5 votes

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

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.

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6

Calories: 507 kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

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

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Remove the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

5. Serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Half and half is equal parts whole milk and light cream and it usually averages 10 to 12% fat, which is usually less than light cream. 

 

This dish is quite versatile. Add more nutrition to it by adding in spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peas or asparagus. Also add some protein but adding some chicken, make sure you add it when you cook the onion and give it enough time to cook through.

 

Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

 

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