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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

creamy garlic parmesan orzo - featured image
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A quick and easy comfort food dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in garlic, butter, broth, and finished with cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese for a creamy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) dry orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • 2 ½ cups (600ml) chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium preferred
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt for lighter versions)
  • ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: cooked chicken or mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients (5 minutes): Mince the garlic, grate the parmesan, and chop the parsley if using. Measure out the broth and cream.
  2. Sauté Garlic in Butter (3-4 minutes): Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in your skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant and just starting to turn golden, being careful not to burn.
  3. Add Orzo and Toast (2 minutes): Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it in the butter and garlic. Toast lightly, stirring frequently, until it just begins to turn a pale golden color.
  4. Pour Broth and Simmer (15 minutes): Add 2 ½ cups of broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let the orzo simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until tender but still slightly firm.
  5. Stir in Cream and Parmesan (3-4 minutes): Once the orzo is tender and most broth absorbed, stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan. Stir until cheese melts and mixture is creamy. Add more broth or cream if too thick.
  6. Season and Garnish: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped parsley and optional lemon zest or red pepper flakes.
  7. Serve Warm: Spoon into bowls and enjoy immediately. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.

Notes

Do not rush the simmering step to allow orzo to absorb broth slowly for creamy texture. Stir gently and infrequently during simmering to avoid gluey texture. Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting. If orzo sticks, add a tablespoon of broth and stir gently. For lighter versions, substitute cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and plant-based cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy orzo, garlic parmesan orzo, quick comfort food, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, garlic orzo, parmesan cheese, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-orzo-recipe-easy-quick-comfort-food-bliss/