Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 153 votes

Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a perfect side dish for dinner tonight! This grown up twist on mac and cheese will have you going back for seconds.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 272 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 large shallot* (1/4 cup minced)
  • 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • 1 cup milk
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. Add your milk, broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir with a whisk to deglaze the pan.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Season to taste as desired, garnish with any additional cheese your heart desires and dig in while it's hot!

Notes

  • * No shallot? No problem! Finely minced white or yellow onion will totally work here.
  • Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!

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 (8%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1981IU (40%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 321mg (32%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

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.