Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a simple one-pan side dish that feels rich and comforting but comes together with pantry ingredients in under 20 minutes. Tender orzo pasta cooks directly in broth, soaking up flavor while garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan turn it into a silky, creamy dish. It pairs beautifully with chicken, steak, seafood, or roasted vegetables and is just as satisfying on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Garlic
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic — it should be soft and aromatic.
- Cook the Orzo
- Add the orzo pasta and broth to the pan.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Make it Creamy
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, coating the orzo.
- Season
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep in mind Parmesan adds saltiness, so taste before adding additional salt.
- Serve
- Serve warm, topped with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
Notes
Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking so it doesn't stick to the pan.
If the orzo becomes too thick, stir in a splash of extra broth or cream.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy. Optional Add-Ins
You can easily customize this dish by adding:
Cooked chicken
Spinach
Mushrooms
Sun-dried tomatoes
Lemon zest
Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking so it doesn't stick to the pan.
If the orzo becomes too thick, stir in a splash of extra broth or cream.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy. Optional Add-Ins
You can easily customize this dish by adding:
Cooked chicken
Spinach
Mushrooms
Sun-dried tomatoes
Lemon zest