Go Back
- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon butter - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon (optional) For this creamy garlic parmesan orzo, you need simple, fresh ingredients. First, orzo pasta serves as the base. This tiny pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Second, vegetable broth adds depth and richness. Next, olive oil brings healthy fats and a nice flavor. Garlic is key; its aroma fills your kitchen as it cooks. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and smooth. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty kick. Butter enhances the creaminess and adds a silky finish. Don’t forget salt and pepper to balance the flavors. For a pop of color and freshness, use chopped parsley as a garnish. If you like a zesty note, lemon zest is an excellent optional touch. These ingredients combine to form a rich, comforting meal that pleases everyone. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat 2 cups of vegetable broth in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Watch for it to start simmering. Once it simmers, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, meaning it should still have a little bite to it. While the orzo cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want it fragrant but be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can ruin the dish. Once the orzo is done cooking, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest of the water from the orzo. Now, add the drained orzo to the skillet with the garlic. Mix well to coat the orzo with the olive oil and garlic. This step adds a lot of flavor. Reduce the heat to low, then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently to combine everything. Next, gradually add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy. If it feels too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired creaminess. Now it’s time for the final touches. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter. This will make the dish rich and smooth. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, you can also add the zest of 1 lemon for a fresh flavor. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! To get that perfect creamy texture, watch your cream and cheese. If your dish is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. This water has starch that helps bind the sauce together. It makes your orzo silky smooth. Always reserve some pasta water before draining your orzo. This small step can change the whole dish. Sautéing garlic is key for flavor. Start with a medium heat. Add your minced garlic and stir often. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing. Do not let it burn. Burnt garlic can taste bitter. Keep an eye on it, and remove it from the heat if it cooks too fast. Adding lemon zest brightens your dish. Use a microplane to get fine zest. This gives a fresh taste that pairs well with garlic and cheese. Fresh parsley also adds color and flavor. Chop it up and sprinkle it on top just before serving. These simple touches make your creamy garlic parmesan orzo even better. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor to the dish. Avoid using pre-minced garlic to ensure the best taste. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of the pasta cooking water. It’s starchy and can help adjust the sauce's consistency while adding flavor. Grate Your Own Cheese: For a creamier texture, freshly grate your Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-packaged versions, which can contain anti-caking agents. Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh herbaceous note. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work well. For chicken, grill or sauté it first, then mix it in. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it to the garlic just before the orzo. Tofu is a great choice too. Just cube it and pan-fry until golden. Adding protein makes this meal hearty and filling. Vegetables add color and nutrition to your creamy orzo. Spinach is a great option. It wilts quickly, so add it at the end of cooking. Peas bring a sweet pop of flavor. Stir them in along with the cream and cheese. Sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely tang. Chop them into small pieces and mix them in for extra richness. You don’t have to stick with Parmesan. Try different cheeses for new flavors. Asiago gives a sharper taste. Fontina melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Goat cheese can lend a tangy twist. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor, making your dish even more exciting. Store your creamy garlic parmesan orzo in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. For best flavor, eat it within three days. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Reheat your creamy orzo on the stove for the best results. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy. Stir gently over low heat until hot. You can also use the microwave, but it may dry out a bit. You can freeze creamy garlic parmesan orzo. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently, adding a bit of liquid to restore creaminess. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Some good options are: - Farfalle: Bowtie shape adds fun. - Penne: Tubes hold sauce well. - Fusilli: Twists grab flavor nicely. You can even try gluten-free pasta. Keep in mind, cooking times may vary. Adjust them based on the pasta you choose. Creamy garlic parmesan orzo pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken: Adds protein and complements the flavors. - Roasted vegetables: Bright colors and textures lift the meal. - Salad: A fresh garden salad balances the richness. You can also add crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Store in airtight containers: Keeps orzo fresh and tasty. - Reheat gently: Use a microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive creaminess. - Use within 3-4 days: Enjoy the best flavor and texture. Meal prepping makes it easy to enjoy this dish any day of the week. This blog post shared how to make creamy garlic Parmesan orzo. We started by listing ingredients like orzo, vegetable broth, and garlic. Then, I walked you through each step, from cooking the orzo to mixing in creamy goodness. I offered tips for creaminess and seasonal flavors, plus ideas for adding protein or veggies. In the end, enjoy this dish your way. Try different cheeses or proteins to make it yours. Remember to store and reheat properly for the best taste. Now, happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

A rich and creamy orzo pasta dish flavored 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
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
  • zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat. Once simmering, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Once the orzo is cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the drained orzo to the skillet with the garlic. Mix well to coat the orzo with the olive oil and garlic.
  • Reduce the heat to low, and add the heavy cream to the skillet with the orzo. Stir gently to combine.
  • Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the mixture becomes creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Stir in the butter, and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest (if using) to taste.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley on top.

Notes

For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest.
Keyword creamy, garlic, orzo, Parmesan, pasta