Description
Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta is a quick and creamy side dish combining tender orzo with a savory garlic butter sauce and fresh Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights, it pairs beautifully with many main courses.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped optional for garnish
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt for the water or broth
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil and add 1 teaspoon salt. Put the orzo in and cook until just tender, usually 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the orzo and save about half a cup of the cooking liquid.
- While the pasta cooks, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for one to two minutes until soft and fragrant but not browned.
- Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and stir it together with the garlic and oil until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter. If it seems dry, stir in reserved pasta water little by little until the mixture feels creamy.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as you like.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley if using. Serve right away as a delicious side dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 8g