Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta

This easy and creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta is a quick side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken, steak, pork, or seafood.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian Inspired

Keyword garlic-parmesan-orzo-pasta, orzo-pasta, orzo-pasta-recipes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 221kcal

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.

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.