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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When measuring orzo, use a dry measuring cup. Fill it to the top and level it off. For olive oil, a tablespoon is good for sautéing. If you’re unsure about garlic, use a garlic press for even mincing. The vegetable broth should be liquid and warm for best flavor. You can use whole wheat orzo for a healthier option. If you want less fat, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a cheese swap, try Pecorino Romano. No fresh parsley? Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh adds a nice touch. Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Next, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the onion to look clear and smell great. This step builds a good base for your dish. Now it’s time to add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Stir it well for about 1 minute. This light toasting gives the orzo a nice flavor. After that, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir to mix the ingredients well. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to Manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the timer goes off, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it turns creamy and the cheese is melted. Finally, taste it. Add salt and pepper as needed. Spoon it into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley to serve. Enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan orzo! To make your orzo ultra-creamy, use heavy cream. It adds rich flavor. Stir it in after cooking. Make sure to mix well. This helps the cheese melt evenly. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half. It still tastes great! Add fresh herbs to boost flavor. Chopped parsley brightens up the dish. You can also try thyme or basil for depth. For a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes works well. Always taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. One mistake is not sautéing the onion and garlic enough. They need to be fragrant and soft. Another mistake is skipping the quick release. Letting it sit too long can overcook the orzo. Lastly, don’t forget to taste! This helps you balance the flavors. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better with vegetarian add-ins. Try adding fresh spinach or kale for a pop of green. Artichoke hearts also add great flavor. You can toss in some peas for a sweet crunch. Mushrooms bring a rich taste and hearty texture. If you want more protein, consider adding chicken or shrimp. Both cook well in the Instant Pot. You can sauté them with the garlic and onion. For a plant-based option, add chickpeas or lentils for a boost. They blend nicely and keep the dish filling. To change the flavor, think about adding spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. For a smoky taste, try smoked paprika. You can also switch out the Italian seasoning for herbs like thyme or rosemary. Each change brings a new twist to your creamy garlic Parmesan orzo. After enjoying your creamy garlic Parmesan orzo, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Let the orzo cool completely before sealing it. You can safely keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just check for any signs of spoilage. If it looks good, you’re all set! Reheating the orzo is simple. You can use either the microwave or a stovetop. For the microwave, place the orzo in a bowl. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat it for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. On the stovetop, warm over low heat. Stir often and add a bit of liquid to prevent it from drying out. This way, you’ll enjoy a creamy, delicious meal again! Freezing is a great option if you want to save some orzo for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best results. Enjoy every bite! Yes, you can use other small pasta types. Try ditalini or acini di pepe. Both work well and will give a nice texture. Just adjust the cooking time if needed. Follow the package instructions for timing. To make your orzo extra creamy, use full-fat heavy cream. Stir it in after cooking. The Parmesan cheese adds rich flavor too. Make sure to mix well until everything is melted. This step is key for that creamy finish. This orzo pairs well with many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or roasted veggies. A simple green salad also complements it nicely. Add some crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy mixing and matching your favorites! You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You can customize the recipe with different flavors and proteins. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Always check the FAQs for any doubts. By following these steps, you can enjoy a tasty dish every time. Cooking is fun and rewarding, so keep experimenting! Enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan orzo and share it with friends or family. Your kitchen is now a place of creativity.

Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Cook up a delicious Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo that will impress your family and friends! With just a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe combines creamy goodness with savory flavors in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish is sure to be a hit. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to make this flavorful orzo that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode. Add olive oil, and once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.

    Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir for about 1 minute to lightly toast it.

      Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, and give everything a good stir to combine all ingredients.

        Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and set it to Manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.

          Stir in Cream and Cheese: Open the lid carefully. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix until creamy and cheese is fully melted.

            Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

              Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan orzo into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4