Quick Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
A fast, comforting, and creamy garlic parmesan orzo recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender orzo pasta with a rich garlic-infused cream sauce and parmesan cheese for a satisfying homemade dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (180 grams) orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 ½ cups (600 ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (75 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Peel and finely mince 3 large garlic cloves.
- Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add 1 cup (180g) dry orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat it in the butter and garlic. Toast the orzo for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it smells nutty.
- Pour in 2 ½ cups (600 ml) chicken or vegetable broth. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add a splash of water or broth if liquid evaporates too quickly.
- Lower heat to medium-low and stir in ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream. Then add ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mix gently until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the orzo. Give a final gentle stir and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Toasting the orzo before simmering adds nuttiness and prevents sticking. Use fresh garlic and parmesan for best flavor and melting quality. Stir gently after adding cheese to keep sauce silky. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream; if too thin, simmer a bit longer to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup per serving
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 21
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 12
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy orzo, garlic parmesan, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food