Creamy Parmesan Orzo
Rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor, Creamy Parmesan Orzo is the perfect side dish or standalone comfort food. This easy recipe combines tender orzo pasta simmered in savory chicken broth, infused with fragrant garlic, and enveloped in a luxurious blend of heavy cream and melted Parmesan cheese. The orzo is lightly toasted for added depth, while the fresh parsley garnish provides a pop of color and freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder delivers restaurant-quality creamy pasta with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Perfectly seasoned with a balance of salt and black pepper, this dish is pure indulgence for pasta lovers and a standout addition to your recipe repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
Mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh parsley for garnish.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo pasta and let it toast slightly, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve warm and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1660 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.1 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.4 g | 257% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 249 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 2820 mg | 123% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 157.0 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 56.5 g | 113% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 774 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 508 mg | 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.
