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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!
This cheesy pasta situation makes the perfect side dish!
Cheesy Parmesan Orzo Is A Weeknight Fav!
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.
Enter this easy cheesy Parmesan Orzo!
Honestly, this reminds me a bit of a risotto with the rich, creamy goodness, but it’s made with pasta instead of rice and it’s pretty darn hands off – the exact opposite of risotto!
We make this in one pot for easy clean up. No one wants or needs extra dishes on a busy weeknight, after all.
Serve this up with our Honey Garlic Salmon & Asparagus and you’ve got a complete meal!
What Readers are Saying!
“I made this as a side dish for dinner tonight and it was very good! I will make it again. Thanks for the recipe!” – Susan G.
Ingredients for Parmesan Basil Orzo:
Orzo – Our main ingredient, this rice shaped pasta is perfect with some Parmesan. Use the leftover orzo in our lemon chicken orzo soup!
Basil – Some fresh, chopped basil is the perfect herb to accompany this dish! Not a fan? Stir in parsley or even dill.
Parmesan – Freshly grated is the way to go! It will melt the nicest.
Chicken Broth – The orzo pasta will soak up all the chicken broth and infuse it with flavor. You can use veggie stock if you prefer a vegetarian version.
How to Cook Orzo with Parmesan & Basil:
Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the orzo. Let that toast a bit to add a nutty flavor to the pasta.
Pour in the broth, bring it to a boil, and cover the pan. Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the liquid has absorbed.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil, and salt and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Taste and add additional seasoning if you think it needs it. Serve while hot and creamy.
More Weeknight Pasta Recipes:
Parmesan Orzo
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
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.
Janel Sonichsen says
Absolutely LOVED this orzo side dish! I used my fresh basil and also added some garlic powder. I doubled it for my family and there was none left! Will definitely make again and again! Thank you!
Karly says
That’s great to hear! Thanks for the review, Janel!
Cheryl says
I made your Parmesan Orzo last night for dinner and added shredded chicken to it. I browned the orzo in butter more-so than what your photo shows and this turned out to be a delicious and unique flavor. This is a recipe that will go into my cookbook of “Favorite Recipes.”
Karly says
Love to hear that, Cheryl! 🙂
Pamala says
Making this tonight. Love your new photo. You look beautiful!
Karly says
Thank you so much, Pamala! That’s so sweet! 🙂
rashmi says
dish looks nice i will try making it thanks for posting its recipe
Heather // girlichef says
Oh, I love simple, flavorful sides like your orzo…though I imagine I’d just heap it into a big bowl and eat it as a meal! No death glare from this direction ;).
Leigh says
Just made this for dinner.I walked away from the pot, and ended up burning the orzo. Oops, it was only a little. Still a very delicious recipe, even when I used dried basil and grated Parmesan.
marcie says
I love orzo side dishes, Karly, and I love what you’ve done with this one! Looks delicious. 🙂
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
Eating what you grow is so satisfying. I would make this orzo dish. I love the creaminess.
Joanne says
This looks so creamy delicious! And I love that it’s kid approved. not that I have kids but..the.boy is kind of like one. 😛
Susan G. says
I made this as a side dish for dinner tonight and it was very good! I will make it again. Thanks for the recipe!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
aw I’m so jealous of your basil plants!
and mmmm mmmm mmmmm this orzo!!!
Belinda@themoonblushbaker says
It must be so rewarding to eat what you grow. I also have one of these mini gardens.They such a saver for the cooks lacking the green thumb.
Your pasta looks delish!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Love this dish! Orzo works perfectly with simple flavours like this. Could definitely see myself eating my way through a big bowlful of this! 🙂
Cookbook Queen says
That little garden is the coolest thing ever!! LOVE!!
kelly @ kellybakes says
This orzo looks and sounds amazing, Karly! I love any combination of cheese + carbs, so you won me over there, but the pop of basil takes it over the top 🙂