Description
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a quick and comforting dish that combines tender orzo pasta with a rich, garlicky, and cheesy sauce. Made in a single pan, it features buttery garlic, savory chicken broth, creamy half-and-half, and fresh Parmesan, enhanced with fresh parsley for color and flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it delivers comforting Italian-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté garlic: Melt butter in a large, wide pan over medium-low heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add orzo: Stir the uncooked orzo pasta into the skillet, roasting it for 1 minute while stirring constantly to toast the pasta lightly, which enhances its nutty flavor.
- Add broth: Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently, cooking the pasta until tender and the broth has mostly absorbed. Remove the lid and stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Finish: Stir in the half-and-half and let the orzo simmer for another minute, stirring occasionally to blend the creaminess. Remove the pan from heat, then fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Allow the dish to rest a few minutes to thicken further if necessary, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not overcook the garlic to prevent it from becoming bitter.
- Adjust the amount of half-and-half to achieve your desired creaminess.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated with a splash of cream or broth.
