Creamy Orzo Risotto with Blue Cheese and Toasted Walnuts
Indulge in this creamy orzo risotto, featuring the exquisite flavors of tangy blue cheese and crunchy toasted walnuts. This comforting dish is not only quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, but it also delivers a restaurant-quality experience right at home. Crafted with simple ingredients, this recipe ensures the orzo absorbs all the rich flavors for an irresistible taste that both you and your guests will love. Serve it as a hearty main dish or a delightful side, and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Orzo pasta
8 ounces (about 1 1/3 cups)
Butter
2 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
Parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons (grated)
Blue cheese
1/4 cup (crumbled)
Walnuts
2 tablespoons (toasted)
Instructions
1
1. In a large saucepan, bring 1 quart of water to a rolling boil.
2
2. Add the salt, then gently stir in the orzo. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until tender, about 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
3. Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess water, if necessary, and return it to the saucepan over low heat.
4
4. Stir in the butter until melted, then add the grated Parmesan and crumbled blue cheese, mixing until creamy and well combined.
5
5. Fold in the toasted walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
6
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese or walnuts if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Orzo Risotto with Blue Cheese and Toasted Walnuts?
It is a quick, comforting dish made with orzo pasta, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts that provides a restaurant-quality experience at home.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a under 30-minute meal, with the orzo taking approximately 8 to 9 minutes to cook once the water is boiling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The 6 main ingredients are salt, orzo pasta, butter, Parmesan cheese, blue cheese, and walnuts.
How much orzo is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of orzo pasta, which is approximately 1 1/3 cups.
What type of cheese is used in this risotto?
The recipe uses a combination of grated Parmesan cheese and crumbled blue cheese.
How much blue cheese should I use?
You will need 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
How do I prepare the walnuts?
The walnuts should be toasted before being folded into the pasta dish.
What is the cooking time for the orzo?
The orzo should be cooked for 8 to 9 minutes until tender.
How much water is needed to boil the pasta?
You should bring 1 quart of water to a rolling boil.
When do I add the butter?
The butter is stirred into the orzo after it has been cooked and drained, while the pan is over low heat.
How do I ensure the orzo doesn't stick?
Stir the orzo occasionally while it is boiling in the saucepan.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, this dish can be served as a hearty main dish or as a side dish.
What is the recommended amount of Parmesan cheese?
The recipe specifies using 6 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much salt is used in the boiling water?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt to be added to the boiling water.
What should I do after the orzo is cooked?
Drain any excess water and return the orzo to the saucepan over low heat to mix in the remaining ingredients.
How do I make the dish creamy?
The creaminess is achieved by mixing butter, grated Parmesan, and crumbled blue cheese into the warm cooked orzo.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with additional cheese or toasted walnuts if desired.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include orzo, blue cheese, walnuts, risotto, pasta, quick meals, comfort food, 30-minute recipe, and vegetarian.
Is the serving size or nutritional information provided?
Specific nutritional values like calories and fat are not specified in the current recipe data.
How much butter is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of butter.
Is orzo a type of rice?
No, orzo is a type of pasta shaped like a large grain of rice.
Why is it called Orzo Risotto?
It is called risotto-style because the cooking method and cheese create a creamy texture similar to traditional rice-based risotto.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is creamy and tender from the pasta and cheese, with a crunchy texture from the toasted walnuts.
Should the heat be high when adding cheese?
No, the heat should be low when stirring in the butter and cheeses to prevent burning and ensure even melting.
Is the Parmesan cheese pre-grated or fresh?
The recipe lists grated Parmesan, which can be fresh or pre-grated depending on your preference.
How many total ingredients are there?
There are 6 ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the preparation for the salt?
No preparation is needed for the salt.
Can this be made in advance?
While best served immediately for the creamiest texture, it can be reheated with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.