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Here’s what you need for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering these ingredients makes this dish simple and quick. The orzo pasta gives a nice bite, while the vegetable broth adds depth. Olive oil brings flavor, and garlic gives that lovely aroma. Heavy cream and Parmesan create the creamy goodness that you’ll love. Italian seasoning enhances everything, and salt and pepper bring it all together. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, take a medium saucepan. Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth. - Bring the broth to a boil over medium heat. This step is key to flavor. - Add 1 cup of orzo pasta into the boiling broth. Cook it until it’s al dente. - Follow the package instructions for timing. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes. - Once done, drain the orzo in a colander. Set it aside for now. - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until it smells good. - Make sure the garlic does not brown. This keeps the flavor fresh. - Lower the heat, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Let this cook for about 2 minutes. The mixture should heat through nicely. - Gradually add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir as you add it in. - Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. - Now, add the cooked orzo to the creamy sauce in the skillet. - Gently toss the orzo with the sauce. Ensure every piece is coated well. - Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving. To cook orzo perfectly, use a large pot. This helps keep the pasta from sticking. Boil the vegetable broth first. This adds flavor to the orzo as it cooks. Stir the orzo often while it cooks. This keeps it from clumping together. You want the orzo to be al dente, firm but tender. To boost the taste, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick. You can also toss in some cooked spinach or peas for added nutrition. For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of cream. If you want it lighter, swap cream for low-fat milk. Always adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic punch to the dish. Avoid using pre-minced garlic for the best flavor. Adjust Cream for Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the cream to simmer a bit longer before adding the cheese. This will enhance the creaminess. Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different types of cheese, like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, for a unique flavor twist. Just make sure they melt well. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor. Consider adding lemon zest for an extra brightness. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this recipe. Try using mozzarella for a milder taste. Feta adds a salty kick. Goat cheese gives a creamy texture with tang. You can also mix cheeses for a richer flavor. If you want to switch up the pasta, go for whole wheat orzo. Rice or quinoa can work too. These options add different tastes and textures. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. Adding vegetables makes this dish more colorful and nutritious. Spinach wilts down nicely and adds a fresh taste. Mushrooms give an earthy flavor and a nice bite. You can mix in frozen peas or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color. Protein can make this dish more filling. Chicken is a great choice. Cook it in the skillet before adding the sauce. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it at the end. Both options work well and make the meal heartier. To keep your creamy garlic Parmesan orzo fresh, use an airtight container. Make sure the container seals well. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. This will help prevent freezer burn. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If you choose the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warmth. If using a skillet, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating. This will keep the orzo creamy and smooth. Stir frequently to maintain that delicious texture. Enjoy your meal just as much as the first time! Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. It is made from wheat. You can use orzo in many dishes, like soups and salads. Its shape makes it great for creamy dishes too. Orzo cooks quickly and can absorb flavors well. This is why it works perfectly in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the orzo and make the sauce separately. Combine them just before serving. This helps keep the pasta creamy. Store each part in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, heat them together. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed. Absolutely! Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out. This dish tastes good even after a few days in the fridge. It is a filling meal that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner. Plus, it is easy to reheat. You will love having this tasty option ready to go! This blog post gave you a clear guide to making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to perfect the orzo and enhance its flavor. We also explored variations and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Try out these ideas and make the dish your own. Cooking should be fun and tasty. Enjoy your creamy creation!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

A rich and creamy orzo pasta dish infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through.
  • Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet while stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  • Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth.
Keyword creamy, garlic, orzo, Parmesan, pasta