Name: Garlic Parmesan Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth; 1½ cups dry orzo pasta (about 278 grams); 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup cream (heavy or light cream); ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a quick and comforting side dish perfect for busy weeknights. This creamy, flavorful pasta cooks in just 20 minutes and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.

A close-up view of a creamy orzo pasta dish in a shiny metal pan, showing one thick layer of small, rice-shaped pasta coated with a smooth, creamy white sauce mixed with tiny bits of green herbs scattered on top. A wooden spoon with a light brown color is partially buried in the pasta, lifting some orzo in the center, creating soft textures and waves in the sauce and pasta. The whole scene is on a white marbled surface with soft, natural lighting highlighting the creamy shine of the pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
1½ cups dry orzo pasta (about 278 grams)
2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup cream (any kind – heavy cream for richer flavor, light cream for thinner texture)
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over high heat.
Step 2: Add the orzo, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the simmering broth.
Step 3: Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring often, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is cooked to your liking. If the liquid is gone before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash more broth as needed.
Step 4: Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley until well combined.
Step 5: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftover orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy orzo pasta dish in a silver pan, filled with one visible layer of small rice-shaped orzo pasta that has a soft, smooth texture with a pale yellow color. The orzo is coated with a rich, creamy sauce, giving it a slightly shiny and wet look. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled evenly throughout the pasta, adding contrast to the pale yellow. A wooden spoon rests in the pan, blending the orzo, showing some movement in the pasta. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

You can use dried parsley instead, but add it when stirring in the cream and cheese to allow it to rehydrate and release its flavor.