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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Gather these ingredients to make creamy garlic parmesan orzo. Orzo pasta is the star of this dish. It cooks quickly and soaks up flavors well. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the garlic. Fresh garlic gives a lovely aroma and taste. Low-sodium vegetable broth adds depth without being too salty. Heavy whipping cream makes it creamy and dreamy. Freshly grated parmesan cheese gives that cheesy goodness. Use sea salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor. You can add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. Finally, fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color. Enjoy cooking this easy and tasty meal with these simple ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} Heating the Oil Start by getting a large skillet or saucepan. Pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers. This will help the flavors bloom. Sautéing the Garlic Next, finely mince 3 cloves of garlic. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté it for about 1 minute. Stir it often until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it! Toasting the Orzo Now, introduce 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir it well to coat the orzo with the oil. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes. This step brings out a nutty flavor that makes the dish special. Adding Broth and Simmering Carefully pour in 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Turn up the heat to bring it to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally until the orzo is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed. Incorporating Cream and Cheese Lower the heat again and mix in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If you want a bit of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Thickening the Sauce Remove the pan from the heat. Let the orzo rest for a couple of minutes. This will help the sauce thicken just right. Seasoning and Garnishing Finally, taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if you need to. Just before serving, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your creamy orzo. - Achieving the perfect consistency: To get creamy orzo, use enough broth and cream. Stir often as it cooks. This keeps the orzo from sticking and helps it absorb the flavors. - Best practices for sautéing garlic: When you heat the oil, add garlic after it shimmers. Sauté for just one minute. Keep stirring to avoid burning. Golden garlic gives a great flavor. - Enhancing the flavor of orzo: Toast the orzo in the oil before adding broth. This step adds a nutty taste. You can also try adding a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. - Pairing with proteins or vegetables: Creamy garlic Parmesan orzo works well with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. It also pairs nicely with shrimp or sautéed greens. These add color and taste. - Creative presentation ideas: Serve orzo in shallow bowls for a nice look. Drizzle some olive oil on top. Add extra cheese and parsley for a pop of color. This makes the dish more inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will give your dish a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options. Always opt for fresh when possible! Choose Quality Parmesan: For the best flavor, use a high-quality block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself rather than using pre-grated cheese. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of additional vegetable broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add in cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. This will take your orzo to the next level! {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in this dish. Try using mozzarella or gouda for a different taste. Both melt well and add creaminess too. If you want to go vegan, use cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Spices and herbs can really boost the flavor. Add a pinch of thyme or oregano for warmth. Fresh basil adds a nice touch too. You can also toss in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms. They add color and nutrients. Sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor. Try different combinations to find your favorite! To keep your creamy garlic Parmesan orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It stays good for about three to four days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it. Pour the orzo into a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. It will last for about two months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them well. Add the orzo to a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir it often until it gets warm. If using a microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, your orzo stays creamy and delicious! How do I know when the orzo is perfectly cooked? You can tell the orzo is ready when it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Taste a piece to check. The orzo should have a slight bite to it. You should see that most of the broth is absorbed too. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make creamy garlic parmesan orzo ahead of time. Just cook it and let it cool. Then store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. You may need to add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. What can I serve with creamy orzo? Creamy orzo pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. It also tastes great with shrimp or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, try it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Each option adds flavor and makes your meal complete. This blog post walked you through making creamy garlic parmesan orzo. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and important tips. We covered serving suggestions and variations for your orzo. Finally, I shared how to store and reheat leftovers. Use these ideas to bring flavor to your meals. Cooking this dish can be fun and rewarding! Enjoy your creamy garlic parmesan orzo and let your palate rejoice.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Delight

A rich and creamy orzo pasta dish infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
  • Add the minced garlic to the oil and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until aromatic and lightly golden.
  • Introduce the orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the oil, and allow it to toast for 1-2 minutes.
  • Carefully pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed.
  • Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy.
  • Remove the pan from heat and let the orzo rest for a couple of minutes to thicken the sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top before serving.

Notes

For an elegant finish, serve in shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and extra Parmesan shavings.
Keyword creamy, garlic, orzo, Parmesan, pasta