Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
518 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo begins by melting butter with olive oil, then gently cooking chopped onion and minced garlic to soften and release their aromas. Dry orzo is then lightly toasted in the flavored oil, giving it a subtle nutty undertone. Adding seasoning, chicken broth, and half and half creates a cooking liquid that is simmered under a lid to tenderize the orzo. Once cooked, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley are stirred in, yielding a smooth, creamy consistency with a savory, mildly garlicky taste.
The dish’s texture is creamy and rich from the dairy, with tender but slightly firm orzo pieces that hold their shape. The fresh parsley adds a hint of brightness and color contrast. Toasting the orzo first deepens the flavor without overpowering the mild creamy base.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo works well as a side dish accompanying chicken, pork, or vegetables. The recipe notes versatility, encouraging additions like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, or asparagus, and suggests adding cooked chicken early with the onion for extra protein. Its storage instructions recommend refrigerating in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days but advise against freezing due to texture changes in cream-based pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1 small onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups orzo dry
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 cups half and half
- 1½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, fresh
Instructions
- In a large skillet add the olive oil, butter and cook for about 30 seconds until the butter melts. Stir in the onion and garlic and let it cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes aromatic.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and let it cook for about 2 minutes just in the oil so that it starts to toast lightly, this will give it a nutty flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper then stir in the chicken broth and half and half. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a medium-low, cover with a lid and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Half and half combines whole milk and light cream with 10–12% fat; it provides a creamy texture without being as heavy as cream alone.
- Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, or asparagus can be stirred in to enhance nutrition and flavor.
- For added protein, cook diced chicken together with the onions to ensure it cooks through before adding liquids.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; freezing is not recommended as it affects texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 518 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 518kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 65mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 673mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 345mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 827IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 407mg | 41% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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