Garlic Butter Orzo Recipe
This Garlic Butter Orzo recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender orzo pasta sauteed in garlic-infused butter and olive oil, simmered in chicken broth, and finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a rich, aromatic experience.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Orzo Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
Flavoring Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Heat Butter and Oil: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter along with olive oil to create a flavorful cooking base.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Toast Orzo: Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat each grain with the garlic butter mixture and enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add Broth and Season: Pour in chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Combine Finishing Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Rest: Allow the orzo to rest for 2 minutes before serving, which helps meld the flavors together for a delicious finish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Do not overcook the orzo to avoid it becoming mushy; it should remain tender with a slight bite.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides better flavor than pre-grated varieties.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a fresh, bright twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Orzo, Quick Side Dish, Easy Pasta Recipe, Orzo with Parmesan and Parsley, Garlic Butter Pasta