Parmesan Orzo

This PARMESAN ORZO is a simple, comforting side dish that’s cheesy, creamy, and so easy! It’s ready in just 20 minutes and the whole family gobbles this one up!

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We’re all about keeping dinner time interesting around here by switching up the side dishes.

I can serve the same old grilled chicken night after night and my family will never complain so long as I mix things up with the side dishes.

We have loads of easy side dish recipes that are perfect for busy nights and I love adding new dishes to the rotation.

This Parmesan Orzo is one of those staple recipes that we make again and again. It’s beyond simple and the whole family absolutely loves the creamy, cheesy orzo.

The creamy Parmesan reminds me a bit of pasta tossed in our homemade Alfredo sauce, but this is somehow even easier since it all cooks in one pot!

Ingredients for Parmesan Basil Orzo:

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Orzo – Our main ingredient, this rice shaped pasta is perfect with some Parmesan.

Basil – Some fresh, chopped basil is the perfect herb to accompany this dish!

Parmesan – Freshly grated is the way to go!

Chicken Broth – The orzo pasta will soak up all the chicken broth and infuse it with tons of flavor.

How to Cook Orzo with Parmesan & Basil:

Toast: Let’s start by heating up the butter in a saucepan and stirring in the orzo. Allow it to cook, stirring often, until it begins to turn a lightly toasted golden brown. Toasting the orzo will add a slightly nutty flavor to the pasta!

Simmer: Once you’ve toasted the orzo pasta you can go ahead and pour in the chicken broth. Give it a good stir and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all of the chicken broth has been absorbed by the pasta!

Serve: All that’s left to do is stir in the Parmesan cheese, the freshly chopped basil, and add salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the Parmesan cheese has melted and you are done. Be sure to serve the cheesy, herby Parmesan orzo while it’s still good and hot!

FAQs:

MORE FAVORITE PASTA RECIPES!

• Feta Pasta
• Air Fryer Ravioli
• Creamy Garlic Pasta
• Air Fryer Pasta Chips
• Cheesy Taco Spaghetti

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Recipe

Parmesan Orzo

This simple side dish starts with orzo pasta and turns out so rich and creamy. Ready in just 20 minutes and unbelievably easy!

4.84 from 6 votes

Print Pin

Prep5 minutes minutes

Cook15 minutes minutes

Total20 minutes minutes

Serves 4 servings

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
• ▢ 1 cup orzo
• ▢ 2 cups chicken broth
• ▢ 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 2 tablespoons chopped basil
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the orzo and cook, stirring often, until lightly toasted.
• Add the chicken broth to the pan and cover.
• Cook for 15 minutes or until the liquid has absorbed.
• Stir in the Parmesan, basil, and salt and pepper.
• Continue stirring until the Parmesan has melted.
• Serve hot.

Tips & Notes:

You may swap out the basil for any herb you preferred. 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning will work well in place of fresh herbs, too.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 244kcal (12%)| Carbohydrates: 28g (9%)| Protein: 9g (18%)| Fat: 9g (14%)| Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)| Cholesterol: 23mg (8%)| Sodium: 682mg (30%)| Potassium: 189mg (5%)| Fiber: 1g (4%)| Sugar: 1g (1%)| Vitamin A: 325IU (7%)| Vitamin C: 8.3mg (10%)| Calcium: 163mg (16%)| Iron: 0.8mg (4%)

Author: Karly Campbell

Course:Side Dish

Cuisine:Italian

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