Orzo with Brown Butter and Parsley
Rich, nutty, and irresistibly aromatic, this Orzo with Brown Butter and Parsley recipe is a quick and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Featuring perfectly cooked orzo pasta tossed in golden brown butter infused with garlic, this dish gets a fresh and vibrant lift from chopped parsley and optional hints of lemon zest. A touch of grated Parmesan adds creamy depth, while the option to cook the orzo in chicken broth enhances its savory allure. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile side or light main course is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients with maximum flavor. Serve it warm, garnished with extra parsley or cheese, for a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 4 cups Water or chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling liquid.
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the orzo and set aside.
In the same saucepan or a clean skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns golden brown and starts to smell nutty, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.
Add the minced garlic to the browned butter and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked orzo, making sure it is thoroughly coated in the brown butter.
Stir in the fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and, if using, lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For extra richness, you can add another tablespoon of butter or a splash of olive oil.
Serve warm as a side dish or light main course. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1175 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.5 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.8 g | 149% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 132 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 1347 mg | 59% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 152.7 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.4 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 29.9 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 194 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 8.0 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 148 mg | 3% | |
*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.
