Orzo Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta is a quick and easy recipe that comes together in no time. With rich flavors and a creamy texture, it’s the perfect side dish to complement a variety of main courses, including chicken, pork, steak, and seafood. Whether you’re serving a casual family dinner or hosting a special occasion, this versatile orzo pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta Recipe
What is Orzo? Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that adds a unique texture to a variety of dishes. While it resembles rice in shape, orzo expands slightly when cooked, becoming a perfect addition to both side dishes and main courses. You can use orzo in pasta salads, or pair it with chicken for a hearty chicken and orzo dish. For seafood lovers, salmon or shrimp and orzo makes a great alternative to shrimp scampi. Orzo is also versatile enough to be baked into a casserole or, as in this recipe, served as a simple and flavorful side dish with meatballs or any of your favorite entrees.
This Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta is an easy, creamy dish that comes together in minutes. It’s a delicious side to serve alongside meatloaf, grilled chicken, steak, kabobs, and more. Whether you’re preparing a casual family meal or a dinner party, this quick side dish is sure to satisfy.
Key ingredients you’ll need to make Creamy Orzo on the stovetop: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe and quantities).
- Pasta – Dry orzo pasta is a small grain rice shaped pasta that appeals to all ages.
- Liquid – Chicken stock or chicken broth plus water for boiling the pasta.
- Cream – Heavy cream adds a creamy texture.
- Cheese – Shredded Parmesan cheese gives this orzo its tangy flavor.
- Spices – Granulated garlic or garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
- Fresh Herbs – Chopped fresh parsley.
How to Make Orzo Pasta Recipe
- Combine – Begin with 2 cups of uncooked dry orzo pasta. Add it to a 3 or 4 quart heavy bottomed saucepan over medium high heat with the chicken stock, water, granulated garlic, salt, black pepper and onion powder.
- Simmer Until Tender – Bring the orzo to a boil, then immediately lower the heat and simmer on low uncovered per the cooking time in the recipe or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Heavy Cream – Turn the heat off and add shredded Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Mix well until fully combined. (There should be enough ambient heat to melt the cheese easily.)
- Serve – Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh parsley then serve immediately.
Kitchen Equipment to Make Orzo Pasta Recipes
- One 3 or 4 quart pot, large skillet or heavy bottomed pan.
- Large spoon.
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
- Cheese grater.
- Knife and cutting board.
Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions
- Fresh Garlic Cloves – This easy orzo recipe is designed to come together quickly. If you want to use fresh garlic, you can. Two-three finely minced medium cloves of peeled garlic to the pot first and sauté with a small amount of olive oil, just until fragrant. Add the remaining ingredients omitting the granulated garlic in the recipe.
- Cheese – The Parmesan cheese in this recipe is shredded not finely grated. You can also use Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Have Extra Chicken Stock on Hand – Depending on how vigorous the orzo cooks, the liquid may reduce more rapidly. It’s important to stir it to prevent sticking and add more water or stock as needed in small amounts.
- Citrus – You could add a splash of lemon juice or stir in lemon zest for an acidic element.
- Veggies – You can add onions, spinach or mushrooms for added texture.
- Cream – Heavy cream will make the sauce velvety and smooth. You can use half and half or whole milk instead. Please note, they won’t make the texture of the orzo quite as creamy.
Storage and Leftovers
- Leftovers – Store cooked Orzo Pasta in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add Liquid As Needed – When reheating you may need to add a small amount of water, heavy cream or chicken stock to thin. It will solidify.
- Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.
More Easy Pasta Recipes to Make
- A big bowl of Pasta e Fagioli is guaranteed to fill your hungry spot.
- Supreme Pizza Tortellini is a one dish meal.
- Vegetable Tomato Rotini Soup is light on calories but big on flavor.
- Tuna Macaroni Salad can double as a side dish or an entree on a busy day.
- Cheesy Italian Sausage Stuffed Manicotti.
- Cajun Orzo with Andouille Sausage will bring the heat to meal time.
- Taco Mac is certain to become a family favorite.
- Tortellini Skewers from Food Network.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1-2 Tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley
Instructions
- In a 3 quart heavy bottomed saucepan over medium high heat mix together orzo with chicken stock, water, granulated garlic, salt, black pepper and onion powder.
- Bring to a boil, then immediately lower the heat and simmer on low uncovered for 15-18 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir to prevent sticking.
- Turn the heat off and add Parmesan and cream. Mix well until fully combined. (There's enough ambient heat to melt the cheese.)
- Garnish with additional parmesan and chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh Garlic Cloves – This easy orzo recipe is designed to come together quickly. If you want to use fresh garlic, you can. Two-three finely minced medium cloves of peeled garlic to the pot first and sauté with a small amount of olive oil, just until fragrant. Add the remaining ingredients omitting the granulated garlic in the recipe.
- Cheese – The Parmesan cheese in this recipe is shredded not finely grated. You can also use Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Have Extra Chicken Stock on Hand – Depending on how vigorous the orzo cooks, the liquid may reduce more rapidly. It’s important to stir it to prevent sticking and add more water or stock as needed in small amounts.
- Citrus – You could add a splash of lemon juice or stir in lemon zest for an acidic element.
- Veggies – You can add onions, spinach or mushrooms for added texture.
- Cream – Heavy cream will make the sauce velvety and smooth. You can use half and half or whole milk instead. Please note, they won’t make the texture of the orzo quite as creamy.