Parmesan Orzo

This easy Parmesan Orzo is a great and affordable side or meatless main dish. Full of flavor from chicken broth, butter, fresh basil and garlic. 

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This recipe was photographed and updated 9/2023.

Today's recipe uses some of my favorite ingredients. These are ingredients I have on hand all the time, so I can make it whenever we need something quick.

This simple and absolutely delicious Parmesan Orzo is packed full of flavor. The flavor from the fresh basil and garlic goes so perfectly with the parmesan. The buttery toasted orzo adds it's own level of flavor.

You really can't go wrong with orzo and I think it's something that should and could be incorporated into meals more often. 

It goes great in soups, pasta salads, spinach salads or in a side dish like I'm sharing today. My absolute favorite orzo can be purchased at Trader Joe's. It's super affordable there compared to the other grocery stores in my area. 

Another great thing about this recipe, is that you can customize it so easily. 

Change up the flavor of broth you use, add shredded or finely diced vegetables, add cooked and chopped protein, use different herbs and add some of your favorite seasonings. You can even skip the parmesan cheese for something different, too.

Keep scrolling for tips and more orzo recipes! 

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Shopping list:

• butter
• orzo pasta
• garlic
• chicken broth
• black pepper
• fresh basil
• parmesan cheese

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for measurements and instructions!

Recipe tips:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

• I recommend freshly shredded cheese whenever possible for better melt and taste.

• You can skip browning the pasta, but it does add some additional flavor and helps the pasta from sticking together while cooking.

More orzo recipes you might like:

• Lemon and Asparagus Orzo
• Cajun Chicken Orzo
• Beefy Orzo and Vegetable Soup
• Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad
• Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo
• Carrot Orzo Side Dish

You can add or substitute with these ingredients:

• use vegetable broth instead of chicken
• use fresh chopped rosemary instead of basil
• add crushed red pepper
• add cooked shrimp on top when serving
• use fresh chopped parsley instead of basil
• add frozen peas
• add finely diced onion
• add shredded carrot
• add lemon pepper seasoning

Our favorite kitchen equipment and supplies used with this recipe:

• Cambom Manual Rotary Cheese Grater
• Chefast Herb Scissors Set
• Nextrend Garlic Twister

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did!

Yield 4 servings

Author Hot Eats and Cool Reads

Prep time

5 Min

Cook time

20 Min

Total time

25 Min

Parmesan Orzo

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tablespoons butter
• ¾ cup orzo pasta
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a medium sized pot, melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the orzo and saute, stirring often until it starts to brown. Add the garlic and saute with the orzo for 1 minute.
2. Add the chicken broth and pepper, then bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, then simmer for about 9-11 minutes, until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the basil and parmesan cheese, then remove from heat. Set aside for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

198.06

Fat

8.11 g

Sat. Fat

4.84 g

Carbs

22.16 g

Fiber

0.97 g

Net carbs

21.19 g

Sugar

1.24 g

Protein

8.85 g

Sodium

562.85 mg

Cholesterol

21.55 mg

Hot Eats and Cool Reads is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you try from this blog/website. You may not always have the same results due to variations in ingredients, humidity, altitude, cooking temperatures, typos, errors, omissions, or individual cooking abilities. 

You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual's dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Recipes around this time in blog history....

One year ago:

• Cherry Chip Muffins

Two years ago:

• Egg McMuffin Breakfast Casserole

Three years ago:

• Cinnamon Churro Muddy Buddies

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