One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a quick and easy side dish that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients and ready in 25 minutes, it's perfect alongside chicken, fish, or roasted veggies—or honestly, just eat it straight from the pan.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 359kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 2 cups orzo pasta uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 cup half-and-half more or less to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté garlic: Melt butter in a large, wide pan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and sauté about 30 seconds, until fragrant (do not brown!).
- Add orzo: Stir uncooked orzo pasta into skillet, roast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add broth: Stir broth into the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook: Bring to a boil over hight heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook at a low simmer. Remove lid and stir every few minutes until pasta is done and sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Finish: Stir through half-and-half, simmer one more minute, stirring a few times. Remove from heat. Stir through parmesan and parsley. Let sit a few minutes to thicken if needed, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Stir in the half-and-half last so it doesn’t split.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan—trust me, it’s worth it.
- Add a splash more broth or cream if it thickens too much as it sits.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 17g