Name: Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated); 1 cup chicken broth; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter

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What is Garlic Parmesan Orzo?

Think of it as risotto’s easygoing cousin who doesn’t require constant stirring. Is it essentially pasta – orzo, to be exact, which looks like little grains of rice – cooked in broth? Is it good to eat raw garlic and parmesan cheese? The name says it all, really. What I love is how it takes basic pantry staples and transforms them into something incredibly enticing. What are some of the best comfort foods Is this a fancy pasta dish? I want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours cooking. It’s my go-to when I’m bored. My family gets so excited when they see what I’m making.Garlic Parmesan Orzo.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What is this garlic and parmesan savory explosion that’s just incredibly satisfying? Is it cheesy, garlicky, and comforting all at the same time? Even on the busiest of weeknights, you can have this on your table in under 30 minutes. What I also love is that this recipe is relatively cost-effective. Orzo is usually pretty inexpensive, and the other ingredients are things you likely already have in your pantry. How do you store food in your pantry? Who doesn’t have garlic and parmesan hanging around? Can you serve this as a side dish? What are the best vegetables for a complete meal? I often add sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli to make it a little healthier. If you love creamy pasta dishes like Alfredo or Cacio e Pepe, but want something a little lighter, try this recipe. Is this easy to make?Garlic Parmesan Orzois definitely for you. It has all the comforting qualities without being overly heavy or complicated. My kids ask for this at least once a week. What I love most is how easy it is to customize, too! Add a little red pepper flake for heat, some lemon zest for brightness, or some fresh herbs for flavor.

How do you make Parmesan Orzo?

Quick Overview

How do you sauté garlic, toast the orzo, add broth and simmer until creamy, about 5 minutes? If you like to eat parmesan cheese, stir in a mountain of it. What’s the best way to use Parmesan and not garlic? Is it so simple, but the end result is unbelievably delicious? What I have found is that using chicken broth really amplifies the flavors, and is my favorite.

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil * 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy! ) * 1 cup orzo pasta * 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt) What is the best Parmesan cheese recipe? ) * 2 tablespoons butter * Salt and pepper to taste * Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional) (optional) What is the best way

How do I follow

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

What is the best olive oil for cooking? Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. How do you cook garlic? I always stir it during this step.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Is it lightly golden? This step helps to develop a nutty flavor that really enhances the dish. Don’t skip this step! What makes a difference?

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes. 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Butter

Stir in Parmesan cheese and salt. Stir until smooth. Set aside. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always start with a little salt and pepper and then add more as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. What are the best ways to serve this as a hot meal?

What should I serve it with?

This Garlic Parmesan OrzoIs incredibly versatile! It works perfectly as a side dish with Grilled Chicken, steak, or fish. I often serve it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.What is a quick weeknight meal?What are some good ways to serve a rotisserie chicken or shrimp?For a Vegetarian Option: Add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful vegetarian dish.

For a Potluck:This travels well and is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. Growing up, my mom would often make a similar dish with rice, and we always had it with grilled chicken. Is this a fancier, updated version of my childhood favorite? My family loves it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious goodness.

What are some tips for perfecting Parmesan Orzo?

What are some extra tips to take your life to the next level?Garlic Parmesan OrzoWhat is next level?

Garlic is Key: Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of garlic. It’s what gives this dish its signature flavor. Just make sure you don’t burn it!

Toast the Orzo: What isWhat is the best way to toast orzo before adding broth? Is it worth the extra few minutes?

How do you use fresh grained ParmesanPre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and has a much better flavor.

Don’t overcook the orzo:You want the orzo to be al dente, not mushy. Is it safe to start checking it after 15 minutes of simmering?

Adjust the Broth: How do youIf you prefer a creamier consistency, you can add whipped cream or half-and-half at the end of the recipe. I’ve used a little bit of cream cheese before, and it was amazing!

Add Some Heat:If you like a little spice, add some garlic powder along with the red pepper flakes.

I have tried substituting different pasta types, and while it is good, it’s just not the same. One of the benefits of Orzo is its small shape which lends itself to soaking up the chicken broth. What are the flavors of parmesan and garlic?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you have any leftover Garlic Parmesan Orzo (which is rare!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave it for a minute or two, or heat it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the orzo can change and become mushy.

The best time to add additional glaze when storing is to wait until the reheating process. This will prevent it from getting soggy, and keep it fresh as long as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free orzo! Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the brand. I’ve tried it with a few different brands of gluten-free orzo, and the texture is usually pretty similar to regular orzo.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth will work just fine. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. I prefer chicken broth because it adds a bit more richness, but vegetable broth is a great option for vegetarians.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, or tofu would all be great additions. I usually add the protein after the orzo is cooked and the cheese and butter have been stirred in.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make it ahead of time, but I recommend cooking the orzo just until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook as it sits. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

What other cheeses can I use?

Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a little bit of Gruyere would be delicious in this dish. Just make sure you use a cheese that melts well.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! My go-to recipe for Garlic Parmesan Orzo. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. I promise, this will become a staple in your household. It’s the perfect side dish for practically anything, and it’s also a great way to use up any leftover chicken or vegetables you have in the fridge.

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes, like my Creamy Tomato Pasta or my Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. I’m always experimenting with new flavors and techniques, so there’s sure to be something you’ll love.

Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how your Garlic Parmesan Orzo turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you try it. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m always happy to help!