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A bowl of creamy orzo served in a white bowl on a white table, accompanied by a blue towel, and a golden spoon.

Creamy Orzo with Garlic Parmesan

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Discover how to create creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo all in one pot! This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with chicken, seafood, or a fresh salad, making it a versatile choice for any event—from parties and gatherings to a simple weeknight dinner.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 387
Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

  • 1½ cup Orzo
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1½ cup Chicken Broth
  • 1½ cup Half and Half
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
  • ½ tsp Chili Flakes
  • 4-5 Dried Tomatoes roughly chopped
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Parsley to garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Making Garlic Parmesan Orzo

  • In a large pan on medium heat, pour in some oil and add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the garlic is aromatic and the onions are soft, which brings out their natural flavors — a great base for the orzo.
    A wide bottom pan with onion and garlic in oil.
  • Add the orzo to the pan and toast it for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and nutty. This enhances the pasta's flavor beautifully.
    A wide-bottom pan with toasted orzo, onion, and garlic.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir everything together and let it boil for about 3-5 minutes, or until you see rapid bubbling in the center. Stir often to prevent any sticking or burning.
    A wide-bottom pan with orzo, chicken broth, and seasonings.
  • When the broth is bubbling, add the half and half and mix well. This step infuses the orzo with a lovely creaminess.
    A wide-bottom pan with orzo and half-and-half milk.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the orzo cook for about 3-5 minutes. Cooking it covered helps the orzo cook evenly and remain tender without becoming mushy.
    A wide-bottom pan with orzo cooking in a mixture of chicken broth and half-and-half milk, covered with a lid.
  • Open the lid and stir the orzo gently. Add the dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and parsley, and mix well to combine. These final ingredients add a burst of fresh flavor and a slight cheesy taste. Now, your creamy and cheesy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is ready to be enjoyed!
    A wide-bottom pan containing creamy Orzo garnished with dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and parsley.

Serving

  • Serve this creamy Orzo alongside proteins like chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a satisfying and well-balanced meal. Need more inspiration? Explore our Serving Suggestions section below for additional pairing ideas.
    Creamy Orzo served in a white bowl with a golden spoon placed alongside.

Notes

Here are some key tips to ensure you make a perfectly creamy Orzo in one pot every time:
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Since this dish has relatively few ingredients, each one counts. Use high-quality chicken broth, fresh garlic, and a good brand of Parmesan cheese. These elements can make a significant difference in the depth of flavor.
  • Toast the Orzo: Begin by toasting the orzo with onions and garlic in your pot. This method not only delivers a wonderful nutty flavor but also allows the orzo to fully absorb all those fantastic aromatics, enriching every bite with depth and character.
  • Watch the Heat: To avoid any cooking mishaps, maintain your stove at a medium-low setting when adding the half and half, and be sure to cover the pot. This careful heat management prevents the pasta from sticking or burning, ensuring it cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
  • Check the Liquid: I've found that the liquid amount I recommend generally works perfectly, but it's important to be adaptable. If you notice the orzo appears a bit dry as it cooks, feel free to add a little more liquid to maintain that creamy consistency.
  • Get Creative: Don't hesitate to put your own twist on this dish. Consider adding elements from some of my other favorite recipes, such as pesto pasta, salmon pasta, or shrimp pasta, to make this orzo uniquely yours. Experimentation can lead to wonderful new flavors!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 527mg | Potassium: 394mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 481IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 226mg | Iron: 1mg

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