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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 small onion, finely diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish Here are some easy conversions: - 1 cup orzo = 200 grams - 3 cups vegetable broth = 720 milliliters - 2 tablespoons olive oil = 30 milliliters - 1 cup heavy cream = 240 milliliters - 1 cup Parmesan cheese = 100 grams You can add some fun twists to this dish: - Spinach for a fresh green touch - Cooked chicken for extra protein - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor - A pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick - Fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added aroma These options let you make this dish your own. Enjoy crafting your creamy garlic Parmesan orzo! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating 3 cups of vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it's simmering, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente. When the orzo is ready, drain it and set it aside. In a large skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 small diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 2-3 minutes until it looks soft and translucent. Next, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring often. This prevents the garlic from burning and helps release its rich aroma. Now it’s time to make the creamy sauce. Carefully pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring to blend it with the onion and garlic. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for around 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Gradually add in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix well until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Finally, stir in the drained orzo, ensuring each piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Season this dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let it sit for a couple of minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld nicely. For a touch of color, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. To get that dreamy creamy texture, focus on the heavy cream. Use fresh heavy cream, as it blends better. When you add it to the skillet, let it simmer slowly. This helps it thicken nicely. Stir constantly to prevent it from sticking to the pan. The Parmesan cheese also plays a big role. Make sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best melt. It gives you a rich, smooth sauce that coats the orzo perfectly. If you want a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut milk. Use a dairy-free cheese to keep the flavor rich yet light. You can also use vegetable broth that is low-sodium to cut back on salt. For a lighter dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. These swaps keep the dish creamy while catering to different diets. This creamy garlic parmesan orzo shines on its own. Serve it in shallow bowls, showing off that lovely sauce. You can add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for flair. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch too. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad. The crunch of the salad balances the creaminess. For extra protein, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the dish well. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger and more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced alternatives. Always opt for fresh for the best taste! Stir Constantly: When adding the heavy cream, stir continuously to prevent it from curdling and to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Garnish Generously: A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile of this dish. {{image_4}} You can make creamy garlic Parmesan orzo even better by adding veggies. Spinach is a great choice. It wilts down nicely and adds color. Just toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Mushrooms also work well. Sauté them with the onion for extra flavor. You can try zucchini or peas, too. They add sweetness and crunch. Feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies! Adding protein turns this dish into a full meal. Grilled chicken is a popular choice. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in. Shrimp is another delicious option. Cook it separately and add it right before serving. For a vegetarian option, consider white beans or chickpeas. They pack in protein and keep it hearty. These additions make each bite satisfying and tasty! You can spice things up with flavor enhancements. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. This gives it a nice kick! Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish, too. Stir in chopped herbs at the end for brightness. You can also switch the Italian seasoning for a Cajun blend for a fun twist. Each variation adds a new layer of taste to your creamy orzo! Store your creamy garlic Parmesan orzo in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing it. It’s best to use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. This way, the orzo stays fresh and delicious. Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the orzo in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to avoid drying out. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally. You can freeze creamy garlic Parmesan orzo, but it may change the texture slightly. First, cool the orzo and portion it into freezer bags or containers. Be sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label and date your containers. It’s best to use frozen orzo within three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the reheating instructions. Orzo is a type of pasta that looks like rice. It is made from wheat and is often used in soups, salads, or as a side dish. You can cook orzo like regular pasta. It absorbs flavors well, making it great for creamy dishes like this one. Yes, you can make creamy garlic Parmesan orzo ahead of time. Cook the orzo and sauce, then store them separately. When you are ready to eat, just mix them together and heat. This helps keep the orzo firm and prevents it from becoming mushy. If your sauce is too runny, you can thicken it easily. One way is to add more cheese. Gradually stir in extra Parmesan until it thickens. Another method is to simmer the sauce longer. This reduces excess liquid and makes it creamy. Always stir while cooking to avoid burning. This blog post covered orzo, from ingredients to storage tips. We explored measurements, optional ingredients, and step-by-step cooking methods. You learned tips for a creamy texture and variations like adding veggies or protein. Storing leftovers and reheating made easy was also discussed. Remember, making orzo can be fun and adaptable. You can always tweak the recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with new flavors!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Delight

A rich and creamy orzo pasta dish infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Start by bringing the vegetable broth to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once simmering, add the orzo pasta and cook as per the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft.
  • Next, introduce the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the garlic doesn't burn, until it's fragrant.
  • Carefully pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer and let it cook for around 5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  • Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with the Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is beautifully creamy and smooth.
  • Once your sauce is ready, add the drained orzo into the skillet. Gently stir to coat the orzo evenly with the luscious creamy garlic sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully together.
  • Before serving, generously garnish the dish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish.
Keyword creamy, garlic, orzo, parmesan, pasta