Creamy Parmesan Basil Orzo
Indulge in this Creamy Parmesan Basil Orzo dish that combines the delightful flavors of rich butter, savory chicken broth, and fragrant fresh basil. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare. The orzo pasta cooks perfectly in chicken broth, allowing it to absorb all the flavor, while the addition of grated parmesan cheese creates a luscious creaminess that will make it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it as a side dish or a main course for a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will love.
4
Servings
158
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
uncooked orzo pasta
1 cup (uncooked)
chicken broth
14.5 ounces (canned)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until bubbly.
2
Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the orzo is lightly browned.
3
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
6
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well until the cheese is melted and creamy.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil or parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Parmesan Basil Orzo?
It is a quick and flavorful pasta dish where orzo is toasted in butter and simmered in chicken broth until creamy, then finished with parmesan and fresh basil.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire process takes less than 30 minutes, with approximately 3-4 minutes for sautéing and 15-20 minutes for simmering.
What are the main ingredients required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of uncooked orzo, 14.5 ounces of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan, and 1/4 cup of fresh basil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 158 calories.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written, it contains chicken broth. However, you can make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Why do I need to sauté the orzo in butter first?
Sautéing the orzo for 3-4 minutes browns it lightly, which adds a nutty toasted flavor and helps define the texture of the pasta.
What type of cheese is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese to create a creamy and savory finish.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil is recommended for the best fragrance, you can use dried basil; just reduce the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
What should the heat setting be for simmering?
After the mixture reaches a boil, you should reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet to simmer.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
What is the best way to serve this orzo?
It can be served as a side dish or a light main course, garnished with extra basil or parmesan cheese.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with oil or vegan butter, use vegetable broth, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
Do I need to drain the liquid after cooking the orzo?
No, the orzo is meant to absorb all the chicken broth, which creates its characteristic creamy texture.
What type of skillet should I use?
A heavy skillet is recommended for even heat distribution during the browning and simmering process.
Can I add other proteins like chicken?
Absolutely, cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be stirred in at the end for added protein.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe does not list any sugar as an ingredient or in the nutritional breakdown.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat the orzo?
Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to bring back the creaminess.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Orzo is unique due to its size and shape, but you could try other small pastas like Acini di Pepe, though cooking times may vary.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, because it is an easy one-pan recipe that takes less than 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights.
What can I do if the orzo is still too hard after 20 minutes?
If the liquid is gone but the orzo is still firm, add a small splash more broth and continue to simmer for a few more minutes.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Either works, but if you use salted butter, be sure to taste before adding additional salt at the end.
What is the texture of this dish?
The texture is luscious and creamy, similar to a risotto, but with the soft bite of pasta.
Can I add vegetables to this orzo?
Yes, stirring in spinach at the end until wilted or adding frozen peas during the last few minutes of simmering works great.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data provided does not specify fiber content, but standard orzo typically contains a small amount of fiber.
Can I use a different cheese besides parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago would be excellent substitutes that offer a similar salty flavor profile.
Is the basil added during cooking or at the end?
The basil is stirred in at the very end after the skillet is removed from heat to preserve its fresh flavor and color.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, its creamy texture and savory parmesan-butter base make it a classic comfort food meal.