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Garlic Parmesan Orzo Recipe

4.4 from 213 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish cooked in savory chicken broth and enhanced with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. It’s perfect as a quick side or a light main, ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

Instructions

  1. Heat Broth: In a large saucepan, bring the low sodium chicken broth to a simmer over high heat to prepare for cooking the orzo.
  2. Add Ingredients: Add the dry orzo pasta, finely minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the simmering broth, ensuring all ingredients are combined.
  3. Simmer Orzo: Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the orzo simmer, stirring often, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta reaches your preferred tenderness. If the pasta needs more cooking but liquid is gone, add a splash more broth.
  4. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the cream, shredded Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped parsley until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
  5. Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the orzo and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm as a flavorful side or light main dish.

Notes

  • Using low sodium chicken broth allows better control over the saltiness of the dish.
  • You can substitute cream with half-and-half for a lighter texture.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan provides better flavor than pre-shredded options.
  • Stirring often prevents the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Orzo, creamy orzo recipe, quick pasta side dish, Italian pasta, stovetop orzo, easy dinner side