Orzo with Parmesan Cheese

Creamy, indulgent, and bursting with rich flavors, this Orzo with Parmesan Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort dish that's perfect for any meal. Featuring tender, golden-toasted orzo simmered in savory chicken broth, this quick and easy recipe is elevated with a luxurious blend of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of heavy cream for a velvety texture. The fragrant addition of sautéed garlic and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add a gourmet flair, making this side dish equally impressive as a standalone light main course. Ready in just 20 minutes, this one-pot wonder combines convenience with elegance, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Perfectly creamy and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 3

Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it in the butter for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until it turns golden and slightly nutty in aroma.

Step 4

Carefully pour the chicken broth into the pan and bring it to a boil.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the orzo simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until it is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the orzo is creamy.

Step 8

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a side dish or on its own as a light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	865.2 grams (865.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1485

Total Fat 71.70g	92%
Saturated Fat 42.00g	210%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 202mg	67%
Sodium 3678mg	160%
Total Carbohydrate 154.70g	56%
Dietary Fiber 11.30g	40%
Total Sugars 4.80g
Protein 64.40g	129%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 991mg	76%
Iron 9mg	51%
Potassium 515mg	11%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.4%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 40.7%