Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo, a luscious one-pot dish that’s perfect as a satisfying side or a flavorful main course. This recipe features tender orzo pasta toasted to perfection in garlic-infused butter and olive oil, then simmered in a rich chicken or vegetable broth. Enhanced with velvety heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, every bite delivers a creamy, cheesy delight with a hint of savory garlic goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an effortless yet elegant addition to any meal, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a finishing touch. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or whipping up a quick weeknight meal, this irresistible, restaurant-quality dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2.5 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Melt the butter with the olive oil in a medium-sized skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it in the butter and garlic mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is lightly golden.
Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the orzo for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately as a main dish or a complementary side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2248 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 132.9 g | 170% | |
| Saturated Fat | 72.6 g | 363% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 325 mg | 108% | |
| Sodium | 6090 mg | 265% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 159.9 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 97.6 g | 195% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2040 mg | 157% | |
| Iron | 8.0 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 468 mg | 10% | |
*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.
