Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Delight
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Delight. This quick and easy recipe combines tender orzo pasta, sautéed garlic, and creamy butter, all enveloped in a luscious sauce of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect as a side dish or a simple main course, this delightful dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressing your guests at dinner parties. Pair it with your favorite protein for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
8
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups (uncooked)
minced garlic
3 teaspoons (minced)
butter
1/2 cup (cubed)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
milk
1/4 cup (regular)
minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water, then add the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the cubed butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and tender, taking care not to let it brown.
3
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked orzo, mixing well to combine with the garlic butter.
4
Pour in the milk and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. If the orzo seems too dry, additional milk can be added for desired creaminess.
5
Stir in the minced parsley, salt, and black pepper, combining everything thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6
Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
30g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Delight?
It is a rich and comforting dish combining tender orzo pasta with sautéed garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, including prep and cook time.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
This recipe specifically uses uncooked orzo pasta, which is a small, rice-shaped pasta.
How much orzo is required?
You will need 2 cups of uncooked orzo pasta.
How long should I boil the orzo?
Boil the orzo for 8-10 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What is the best way to prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced; you will need about 3 teaspoons.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of butter, which should be cubed before melting.
Can I use any type of milk?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of regular milk, but you can add more if the orzo seems too dry.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used to create the luscious, creamy sauce.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is fresh parsley necessary?
Fresh parsley provides the best flavor and color; you should use 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley.
What are the primary seasonings?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as either a simple main course or a side dish.
What proteins pair well with this orzo?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted salmon.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
One serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This dish provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the mixture is too dry or thick, simply stir in a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic for only 1-2 minutes over medium heat until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Should the orzo be rinsed after boiling?
The instructions recommend draining the pasta but do not require rinsing, as the starch helps the sauce cling to the orzo.
Is this recipe considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it features classic Italian flavors like garlic, Parmesan, and parsley.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a 'quick meal' and '30 minute recipe,' making it ideal for busy evenings.
How do I garnish this dish?
Garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and additional fresh parsley before serving.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While orzo is traditional for this specific texture, you could substitute with other small pastas like ditalini or risoni.
What heat setting should I use for the sauce?
Once the orzo is added to the butter and garlic, reduce the heat to low to prevent the cheese and milk from scorching.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 simple ingredients required for this dish.
Can I make this for a dinner party?
Yes, its rich flavor and elegant presentation make it a great choice for impressing guests.
Is the salt amount fixed?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon, but it can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.