Parmesan Orzo

For a busy weeknight, this Creamy Parmesan Orzo Pasta is one of my favorite recipes. Tender pasta in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, that is ready in 20 minutes. And so much better than a boxed pasta kit. You won’t be able to resist it!

Parmesan Orzo

You guys know I love pasta, and can eat it every day. For breakfast even! So I am all in when it comes to the this creamy orzo recipe.

You only need a few ingredients to make this and less than 30 minutes. Make it ahead of time or make it while you are baking those chicken breasts or roasting those pork chops.

Orzo is such a fun pasta shape to cook with. This rice-shaped pasta ranks up there, in terms of shapes, with the likes of bow-ties, rotini, or shells and the kids LOVE them. When my boys were little I used all types of pasta shapes to get them to eat dinner.

Same thing goes with adding something to it to make the kids want seconds. And that is CHEESE!

When picking a cheese to pair with this tender orzo pasta I went with one of my faves: Parmesan. It’s easy to find and has a delicious nutty flavor everyone in the family likes.

That’s why this is a one-pan recipe the whole family will love! Serve it as a main dish or add as a side dish. This recipe reminds me of my cafeteria noodles or this old fashioned mac and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe is perfect for a simple and quick meal that tastes like the ultimate comfort food so you can enjoy it all by itself. I know when my boys ask for “cheesy noodles” they just want a big bowl of this.

But I like to serve it along with pork chops, a rotisserie chicken which is easy to grab for dinner, and a green veggie or salad. Green beans or brussels sprouts work well too.

Ingredients Needed

Pasta – Orzo pasta is perfect. Regular or whole wheat. Gluten free options are great too!

Broth – Chicken broth or vegetable broth.

Cheese – Parmesan cheese is the best or substitute part mozzarella.

Cream – Heavy cream or substitute half & half.

Onion – Sweet or yellow onion.

Fresh herbs – Fresh parsley and thyme.

Pantry staples – Unsalted butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

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How to Make Parmesan Orzo

First: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and orzo pasta to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the orzo noodles and the garlic starts to soften and turn golden.

Second: Stir in the chicken broth, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the orzo is cooked al dente.

Third: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the cream to be incorporated and the cheese to melt.

Fourth: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more freshly grated parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How long does it last?

Store any leftover orzo in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stove top.

Stir in 1-2 tablespoons chicken broth or milk to bring back the creamy sauce.

​New Side Dish Recipes

I’m always looking for easy, delicious sides to round out our family dinners. As much as I love our standby roasted veggies and baked rice, things can get boring. That’s why trying new sides can give your usual weekly menu can freshen things up a bit.

Some of my favorites to make are some fried corn, these Italian green beans, and southern succotash.

Is orzo a pasta or rice?

Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like a grain of rice. Not to be confused with arborio rice which is the short grain rice used to make risotto. This short pasta is perfect for making pasta salads or adding to soups.

Delicious Pasta Dishes

I never met a pasta I didn’t like which I why I make it all the time. But pasta makes dinner super easy which is what I need on a busy weeknight or when I just don’t have the energy to make a fancy dinner. Plus they can be very affordable which is great for staying on budget.

Making spaghetti carbonara happens almost weekly. Because the boys like bacon! Or smoked sausage like this Cajun Orzo Bake.

Different shapes and tons of easy sauces, means you can make a new pasta dish just about every day of the month!

Pasta recipes are great for adding vegetables where the kids won’t find them too. My husband (he’s a big kid!) loves this creamy mushroom orzo, due to his love of mushrooms, and I like it because it’s fast.

Tips for No Leftovers

• Substitute the knob of butter for olive oil.
• Want to add some extra vegetables? Toss in some cherry tomatoes, peas, or fresh spinach.
• Mince fresh garlic cloves or use a jar of minced garlic.
• Like more texture? Sprinkle with a little toasty breadcrumbs or crispy bacon!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This creamy garlic parmesan orzo recipe is easy to make for a dinner party or a regular family meal on a busy weeknight.

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