Cheesy Orzo Pilaf
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and irresistible Cheesy Orzo Pilaf. Featuring tender, toasted orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful broth and lavishly coated in a decadent blend of Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Sautéed onions and garlic provide a savory base, while a splash of heavy cream adds extra richness. Finished with fresh parsley for a bright, herby touch, this quick and easy recipe is perfect as a show-stopping side dish or a satisfying light meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a one-pot wonder that will elevate your dinner table with each melty, buttery bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 small Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.25 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Melt the butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat in the butter and oil. Toast the orzo for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and aromatic.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese until the cheeses are completely melted and the mixture is creamy.
Season the orzo with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1689 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.8 g | 119% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.5 g | 242% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 222 mg | 74% | |
| Sodium | 3974 mg | 173% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 161.7 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.1 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 59.6 g | 119% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 948 mg | 73% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 261 mg | 6% | |
*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.
