5 from 153 votes
Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Garlic Parmesan Orzo features tender orzo pasta cooked in a flavorful broth and milk base infused with sautéed shallots and garlic. The dish finishes with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped spinach folded in for creamy texture and vibrant color. It offers a rich and savory side or light main component with a balance of garlic and cheese flavors.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
272 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tsp butter unsalted
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 shallot 1/4 cup minced, large
- 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup orzo pasta dry
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 2 cups spinach chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pan (grab one that's deep enough for your orzo + sauce) over medium-high heat and sauté your shallot and garlic until tender, adding the garlic towards the end to prevent burning. If extra butter is needed, feel free to add as desired.
- Add your milk, broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir with a whisk to deglaze the pan.
- With your burner set to medium (I had mine set to 6) add the orzo and stir. Set timer for 10 minutes. Once the orzo starts to really boil and bubble, reduce heat to low (2 worked great on my stove) and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is al-dente or your ideal softness, remove from heat. Sauce will be thin and thicken as it cools. Add your parmesan cheese and chopped spinach and fold into the orzo.
- Season to taste as desired, garnish with any additional cheese your heart desires and dig in while it's hot!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- If shallots are unavailable, finely minced white or yellow onion serves as a good substitute.
- Adjust butter quantity as needed during sautéing for preferred richness.
- Nutrition facts included are estimates and can vary; adjust ingredients as needed for dietary needs.
Nutrition Information
Calories
272kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
35g
(12%)
Protein
14g
(28%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Cholesterol
21mg
(7%)
Sodium
957mg
(40%)
Potassium
294mg
(6%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
1981IU
(40%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
321mg
(32%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 272
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 272kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 21mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 957mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 294mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1981IU | 40% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 321mg | 32% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.