One Pot Cheesy Orzo
User Reviews
5
One Pot Cheesy Orzo
Description
One Pot Cheesy Orzo blends sautéed onions and garlic with orzo pasta cooked directly in chicken broth and heavy cream. The slow simmering process lets the orzo absorb the flavorful liquids while softening to tender perfection. After cooking, stirring in Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheese creates a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta evenly. The dish finishes with seasoning to taste, offering a harmonious balance of richness and subtle seasoning.
The texture is smooth and creamy due to the heavy cream and melted cheeses combined with the tender pasta. The step of toasting the orzo with garlic and onion beforehand adds a gentle nuttiness that enhances overall flavor. This orzo dish works well as a side to grilled or roasted dishes, or a simple meal on its own for those who prefer pasta with a creamy sauce.
This recipe highlights the convenience of a single pot meal where ingredients are layered and cooked without multiple dishes. The natural thickening as it cools helps develop a saucy consistency typical for creamy pasta dishes. Salt and pepper adjustments at the end ensure a balanced and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the oil, butter, and onion to a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and orzo. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often (this infuses the orzo with more flavor and toasts it a bit).
- Stir in the chicken broth and cream. Once it starts to bubble, continue cooking for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often. You will likely need to turn the heat down a bit (to medium or even medium-low). You want it to gently bubble vs. furiously boil, and you don't want the liquid to reduce too much before the pasta has cooked.
- Take the pot off the heat, stir in the cheeses, and cover the pot for 4-5 minutes or until it has thickened up to your liking (this recipe is meant to have a lot of sauce but will thicken a little more as it cools - orzo absorbs liquid quite fast). Season with salt & pepper as needed.
Notes
- If substituting rice for orzo, be aware that liquid amounts and cooking times will require adjustment, as they differ significantly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 480 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 480kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 111mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 699mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 214mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 1151IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 405mg | 41% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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