Orzo with Parmesan and Basil
Creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting, this Orzo with Parmesan and Basil recipe is a perfect side dish or light meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Made with tender orzo pasta simmered in savory chicken or vegetable broth, this dish gets a luxurious upgrade with a rich sauce of heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and fragrant chopped basil. A touch of sautéed garlic adds depth, while a sprinkle of black pepper and salt perfectly balances the flavors. This easy recipe is ideal for dinner parties or weeknight meals, offering an elegant yet simple dish with gourmet flair. Serve it warm and garnished with extra Parmesan and basil for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress. Perfect for pasta lovers seeking effortless comfort food with fresh, bold flavors!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2.5 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.25 cup Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Directions
Step 1
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Step 2
Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the orzo simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Step 3
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4
Once the orzo is cooked, transfer it (along with any remaining broth) into the skillet with the sautéed garlic.
Step 5
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Mix well to create a creamy sauce that coats the orzo evenly.
Step 6
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
Step 7
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the orzo rest for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 8
Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 1078.9 grams (1078.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1678 |
| Total Fat 82.20g | 105% |
| Saturated Fat 47.70g | 239% |
| Cholesterol 217mg | 72% |
| Sodium 6347mg | 276% |
| Total Carbohydrate 161.10g | 59% |
| Dietary Fiber 12.20g | 44% |
| Total Sugars 4.90g | |
| Protein 75.80g | 152% |
| Vitamin D 48IU | 238% |
| Calcium 1449mg | 111% |
| Iron 10mg | 56% |
| Potassium 422mg | 9% |
Source of Calories