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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.
El says
Can you use homeade chick broth?
Karly Campbell says
Yes, of course.
Susan McGrath says
Making this tonight. When you say 1/2 c Parm, do you have a weight on that? I shred my Parm on a rasp grater and it’s so fine that it looks like a huge pile. Thanks!!
Karly Campbell says
I haven’t measured by weight, but usually a 1/2 cup of shredded cheese is around 2 ounces.
Susan McGrath says
Thanks so much!! A great recipe.
Stacy says
Super easy and so good! My husband said when he was done that he wished he could go back in time and eat it all over again lol. Thanks so much for the recipe.
Karly says
Oh gosh, that’s a sign of a good meal! Love to hear it! 🙂
Cathy says
I made this tonight and added some chopped asparagus. This us so good and simple to make.
Karly says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing!
Annette Kreamer says
I want your Recipe please that look so Good.
Karly says
The recipe is just above where you commented. Hope you enjoy!
Tammy from SC says
Great recipe! Family loved it. I’ve made it a second time and added chopped up artichokes and mushrooms. Delicious!!!
Karly says
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing, Tammy!