Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese These ingredients are the stars of your dish. The orzo pasta creates a nice base. Butter and garlic add rich flavor. The vegetable broth gives depth. Heavy cream makes it creamy and dreamy. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty kick that makes the dish shine. - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Adding lemon zest brightens the flavor. Salt and pepper help you adjust the taste to your liking. Fresh parsley adds nice color and freshness when you serve the dish. These extras make your meal even better. - Approximately 300 calories per serving - About 15 grams of fat - Roughly 10 grams of protein This dish is comforting and filling. With a good balance of carbs, fat, and protein, it makes a great meal. Enjoy this creamy garlic Parmesan orzo as a standalone dish or a side. It’s a simple treat that pleases everyone. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not browned. This step adds a rich flavor base. Next, stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Toast it in the garlic butter for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Then, gradually pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir to mix well. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. After boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. You want the orzo tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. Once the orzo is cooked, it’s time to make it creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your liking. Let it sit for a minute to thicken slightly. Enjoy this delightful dish warm! To cook orzo just right, avoid overcooking it. Overcooked orzo turns mushy. Cook it in vegetable broth for extra flavor. Keep an eye on the time. Aim for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After it cooks, let it sit for a minute. This helps it thicken and become creamy. You can easily change the flavor and texture of your orzo. If you want it creamier, add more heavy cream. To boost flavor, sprinkle in extra salt and pepper. Taste as you go. If it’s too thick, pour in a little more broth. For a zesty kick, add more lemon zest. This brightens the dish. Creamy garlic Parmesan orzo pairs well with protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a lighter option, try it with a fresh salad. This dish shines as a side or a main course. Enjoy it warm, garnished with chopped parsley for color. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options. Always opt for fresh for the best results. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with milk. This will still yield a deliciously creamy texture. Leftover Variations: This recipe is versatile! Add in leftover vegetables or proteins for a quick and satisfying meal the next day. Perfecting the Cheese: For an extra cheesy flavor, try mixing in a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella or Asiago along with the Parmesan. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of creamy garlic Parmesan orzo. Adding vegetables or proteins makes it fun. For veggies, consider spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers. These add color and nutrition. You can also toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sausage. This boosts protein and flavor. Mixing in these ingredients creates a hearty dish for any meal. The cheese you choose can change the dish's taste. Instead of Parmesan, try pecorino or Gruyère. Each cheese brings unique flavors. For a sharper taste, use aged cheddar. If you love blue cheese, crumbling it on top adds a bold kick. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination. You can enjoy this dish without dairy. Start by using coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich texture. Nutritional yeast is a great cheese substitute. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. For the butter, use olive oil or vegan butter. With these changes, you can make a creamy, delicious orzo that fits your diet perfectly. To keep your creamy garlic Parmesan orzo fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, the flavors stay intact and it remains safe to eat later. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, use low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to a pan. This helps keep the orzo creamy while reheating. Stir gently until it warms through. Avoid high heat, as it can dry out the dish. You can freeze creamy garlic Parmesan orzo for up to a month. Portion it into small containers for easy meals. Before freezing, let it cool completely. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently, adding a bit of liquid to restore creaminess. You can use several pasta shapes or grains instead of orzo. Some great options include: - Arborio rice: This rice is creamy and works well in this dish. - Farfalle: Also known as bow-tie pasta, it adds a fun shape. - Quinoa: A healthy, protein-rich grain that is gluten-free. - Ditalini: Small, tube-shaped pasta that blends nicely with sauces. These alternatives will give you a similar texture and flavor to orzo. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prepping: - Cook the orzo: Make the orzo and creamy sauce, then cool it quickly. - Store: Place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. - Reheat: Warm it up on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. This way, you save time and enjoy a quick meal later. If your orzo turns out too thick, there are simple solutions to adjust the creaminess: - Add liquid: Stir in a bit of vegetable broth or cream to loosen it up. - Heat gently: Warm it on low heat while stirring to blend in the liquid. - Mix well: Ensure all parts are combined for even consistency. These steps will help you achieve a perfect creamy texture. This blog post covered how to make creamy orzo pasta. We discussed the key ingredients and optional seasonings, along with cooking steps to get it just right. I shared tips for perfect texture and flavor adjustments. You can also explore tasty variations for your dish and learn storage methods. Remember, you can tailor this recipe to fit your tastes. Enjoy making creamy orzo your way!$

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with garlic and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 2 heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it in the garlic butter for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. Mix until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to thicken slightly.
Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword creamy, garlic, orzo, Parmesan, pasta