Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta, technically a type of pastina. Its compact size allows it to cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, making it an excellent choice for a quick and flavorful orzo recipe like this one.

Can I make this orzo recipe ahead of time?

While this orzo recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely make it ahead. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or hot water to restore its creamy consistency, as the orzo will continue to absorb liquid.

What can I add to this basic orzo recipe to make it a complete meal?

This versatile orzo recipe is a fantastic base! You can add cooked protein like shredded chicken, sautu00e9ed shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage. For vegetables, stir in fresh spinach, roasted bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. A squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh herbs also brighten up the dish, making it a satisfying and complete meal.

Why do you toast the orzo before adding broth?

Toasting the dry orzo pasta in olive oil for a few minutes before adding the broth is a crucial step for this orzo recipe. It adds a wonderful nutty depth of flavor to the pasta and helps prevent the orzo from becoming clumpy or mushy during cooking, ensuring each grain is distinct and perfectly textured.

Orzo Recipe: 5 Steps to the Best Garlic Parmesan Orzo in 30 Minutes

Name: Everyday Delight Orzo with Garlic & Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked; 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, toasting the orzo until some pieces are lightly golden brown. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the orzo recipe.
Step 3: Carefully pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the orzo is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, and fresh chopped parsley. The residual heat will melt the cheese and butter, creating a creamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
Step 5: Serve your delightful orzo recipe immediately as a main dish or a comforting side. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can sauté some finely chopped shallots or onions with the garlic in Step 1. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese and butter to your liking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or water.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Join Eldralys Recipes!