My Favorite Easy Parmesan Orzo Side Dish

User Reviews

4.9

105 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    15 mins

  • Servings

    2 to 3 servings

  • Calories

    243 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    Italian

My Favorite Easy Parmesan Orzo Side Dish

My Favorite Easy Parmesan Orzo Side Dish is a simple pasta side featuring orzo cooked until tender then enriched with butter, cream (or milk), and Parmesan cheese. The orzo has a creamy texture, balanced with salt and black pepper, making it a comforting addition to many meals. Garnished with parsley if desired, it offers a delicate, cheesy flavor perfect for accompanying proteins or vegetables.

Description

This recipe centers on orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta cooked in salted water until just tender. After draining, it’s stirred with butter until melted, then cream or milk and shredded Parmesan cheese are added for richness and flavor. The seasoning with salt and black pepper adjusts to taste, and optional parsley provides a fresh herbal note.

The result is a smooth, creamy orzo with a mild cheesy flavor from the Parmesan. The buttery and creamy components give the pasta a velvety mouthfeel, while the simplicity of ingredients allows it to complement a wide range of main dishes, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.

This side dish is best served warm and fresh but can be easily prepared alongside main courses for an easy addition. Using cream yields a richer texture compared to milk, and seasoning adjustments can tailor it to preference. Parsley adds a subtle color and brightness but is optional.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 4 ounces orzo 2/3 cup
  • 1 tablespoon butter 14g
  • 2 tablespoons cream or milk
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded, 1 oz
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook orzo according to package instructions. 
  2. Drain and add butter. Stir butter into the pasta until melted and add cream (or milk) and cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • The approximate nutritional information provided applies to three servings made using heavy cream.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 243kcal (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2to 3 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 243 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 243kcal 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.9

105 reviews
Excellent

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