Description
A quick and creamy dish combining orzo pasta with garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir in the orzo pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cooked orzo pasta back to the pot and toss to coat it well with the garlic and butter mixture.
- Gradually stir in 1 ½ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream while mixing in the cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: orzo, garlic, Parmesan, pasta, vegetarian, quick, side dish, creamy