4.6 from 372 votes
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a comforting pasta dish where toasted orzo is simmered in chicken broth and half and half until tender, then finished with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley. The base starts with butter, olive oil, sautéed onions, and garlic, which contributes a mellow, rich flavor. The creamy texture contrasts with the slight nuttiness from the toasted orzo, making this a satisfying side or light main dish adaptable with added vegetables or protein.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
518 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine:
American
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 518
% 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.