Toasted Orzo Pilaf
Elevate your side dish game with this Toasted Orzo Pilaf, a golden, nutty twist on classic rice pilaf that's both comforting and sophisticated. Featuring lightly toasted orzo pasta infused with buttery richness and sauteed with aromatic onions and garlic, this recipe achieves ultimate flavor depth with the help of a savory chicken or vegetable broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect quick and versatile dish for busy weeknights or holiday feasts. Garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness, this crowd-pleasing orzo pilaf pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled vegetables, or seafood. Easy to make and bursting with fresh, warm flavors, it’s a staple you'll revisit again and again. Search no further for the perfect elegant and easy side dish—this Toasted Orzo Pilaf has it all.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 1 small Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Heat a medium-sized saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt completely before proceeding.
Add the orzo to the pan. Toast the pasta, stirring frequently, for about 5-8 minutes until it turns a golden brown color. Be careful not to burn it.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chopped onion to the pan, stirring occasionally, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Carefully pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pan, stirring to combine. Add the salt and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
Remove the pan from the heat. Let the pilaf sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish absorbing any remaining liquid.
Fluff the orzo with a fork before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
278 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.3 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 18 mg | 6% | |
| Sodium | 677 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.5 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 7.7 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 29 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 139 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.
