Parmesan Herbed Orzo
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Parmesan Herbed Orzo, a creamy and flavorful one-pot side dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes! Perfectly toasted orzo pasta is simmered in a savory broth, creating a velvety base that’s enhanced with rich Parmesan cheese, fragrant garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. A hint of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish, making it a versatile companion to grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or pan-seared fish. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this easy Parmesan Herbed Orzo is a crowd-pleasing favorite you'll turn to again and again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
Add the orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat it in the butter and oil. Toast the orzo for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until it becomes lightly golden.
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and thyme. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the herbs are evenly distributed.
Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in a teaspoon of lemon juice for brightness.
Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
352 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.3 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 38 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 846 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.0 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.4 g | ||
| Protein | 15.5 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 243 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 118 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.
