4.6 from 657 votes
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo can be on your table in 15 minutes! While it's perfect as a side dish, I prefer this as a meal on its own because it's cheesy, creamy and really hits the spot.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 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 pepper or to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 cups half and half
- 1½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
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 is equal parts whole milk and light cream and it usually averages 10 to 12% fat, which is usually less than light cream.
- This dish is quite versatile. Add more nutrition to it by adding in spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peas or asparagus. Also add some protein but adding some chicken, make sure you add it when you cook the onion and give it enough time to cook through.
- You'll want to store this dish in an airtight container to ensure it lasts for up to 3 - 4 days in the fridge. Unfortunately this cream based pasta dish doesn't thaw well after being frozen so I don't recommend storing it in the freezer.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
518kcal
(26%)
Carbohydrates
44g
(15%)
Protein
20g
(40%)
Fat
29g
(45%)
Saturated Fat
16g
(80%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
Trans Fat
0.3g
Cholesterol
65mg
(22%)
Sodium
673mg
(28%)
Potassium
345mg
(10%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
827IU
(17%)
Vitamin C
4mg
(4%)
Calcium
407mg
(41%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
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.