For a busy weeknight, this Creamy Parmesan Orzo Pasta is one of my favorite recipes. Tender pasta in a rich and creamy cheese sauce is something you won’t be able to resist!
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!
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.
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.
This is definitely a one-pot recipe the whole family will love! Serve it as a main dish or add as a side dish.
What to Serve with Parmesan Orzo
This is perfect for a simple and quick meal that tastes like the ultimate comfort food.
But if you want to add your favorite protein or make it a full meal, serve alongside something like a rotisserie chicken, steamed vegetables like green beans, and a crisp green salad.
Or ditch the chicken and keep it a meatless meal.
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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 parmesan 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.
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.
Best Parmesan Cheese to Use
Don’t use the powdered cheese found in the plastic shaker container in the pasta and sauce aisle. It won’t melt correctly.
Best to grab a chunk or block pf parmesan from the deli and grate it yourself or use the pre-grated or pre-shredded parmesan cheese you find in the deli or cheese section. This will melt the best!
Other Pasta Recipes
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.
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 is something you won't be able to resist!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the thyme stalks. 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.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more freshly grated parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- 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!
Recommended Products
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy here.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 194Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 1154mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 6g
This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and we can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.
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