Creamy Baked Orzo with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs
Delight in the comforting flavors of our Creamy Baked Orzo with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs. This oven-baked dish offers a wonderfully creamy texture, enhanced by the nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese and the bright freshness of parsley. Perfect as a main course or a hearty side, it's a simple yet elegant dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. Ideal for gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe showcases the versatility of orzo pasta while infusing it with rich flavors. Serve it warm, and enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Green Onions
6 (Sliced)
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
Orzo Pasta
1 cup (Uncooked)
Chicken Broth or Water
2 1/4 cups (N/A)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (N/A)
Fresh Parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly.
3
Add the sliced green onions and minced garlic to the pan, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
4
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for an additional minute, allowing the pasta to toast slightly.
5
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and season with salt and pepper to taste; bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
6
Once boiling, carefully transfer the orzo mixture to the prepared baking dish.
7
Fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, mixing well to combine.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
9
Remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, and then serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Orzo with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs?
It is a comforting oven-baked pasta dish featuring orzo, nutty Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for a creamy and elegant meal.
What temperature should the oven be set to for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking dish is required?
A 2-quart baking dish lightly coated with non-stick cooking spray is recommended.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine depending on your preference.
How long should I sauté the green onions and garlic?
Sauté the sliced green onions and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
Do I need to cook the orzo before putting it in the oven?
No, you use uncooked orzo pasta. It is toasted briefly in the pan and then bakes in the liquid in the oven.
How much orzo pasta is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
What kind of liquid is used to cook the orzo?
You can use 2 and 1/4 cups of chicken broth or water.
Is this dish vegetarian?
It can be vegetarian if you use water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese mixed into the dish.
How much parsley should I use?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
How long does the orzo take to bake?
The dish should bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender.
Should I cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
What is the benefit of toasting the orzo?
Toasting the orzo for one minute after sautéing the vegetables helps enhance its flavor.
How many garlic cloves are in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of minced garlic.
How many green onions should I slice?
The recipe calls for 6 sliced green onions.
Do I need to boil the liquid before baking?
Yes, bring the mixture of broth, orzo, and seasonings to a rolling boil before transferring it to the baking dish.
Can I garnish the dish after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to serve it warm with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.
How do I know when the orzo is done?
The dish is ready when all the liquid has been absorbed and the orzo is tender to the bite.
Is this a main course or a side dish?
It is versatile enough to be served as either a hearty side dish or a light main course.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
While fresh parsley is recommended for brightness, you can use dried parsley, though the flavor will be less vibrant.
Why do I need to let the dish sit after baking?
Letting it sit for a few minutes allows the texture to set and ensures it is the perfect temperature for serving.
What makes the orzo creamy in this recipe?
The combination of the starches from the baked orzo and the melted Parmesan cheese creates a naturally creamy texture.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple steps like sautéing and baking.
Can I use store-bought grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan is suggested for better melting, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.
What seasonings are used?
The recipe uses salt and pepper to taste to season the mixture before boiling.
Is this recipe good for family meals?
Absolutely, its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it ideal for family gatherings.
What is orzo pasta?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that is highly versatile and absorbs flavors well.
Should the orzo be toasted with the vegetables?
Yes, add the orzo to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic and cook for one minute before adding broth.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine.