Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
This creamy garlic parmesan orzo is a delightful and satisfying dish that's perfect as a side or a main course.
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 grater or microplane
- 1 serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once the orzo is cooked, reserve about a half cup of the broth, then drain the remaining broth and set the orzo aside.
- In the same saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and the reserved broth, stirring well to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked orzo to the saucepan and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve in a dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, you can include cooked vegetables like spinach or peas in the dish.
You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but it may not be as creamy as using heavy cream.
This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.