Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Fresh Herbs
Indulge in this rich and creamy Parmesan Orzo, a delightful side dish that complements any meal. This recipe, inspired by the classic flavors from Maryana Vollstedt's 'What's For Dinner', effortlessly combines tender orzo pasta with aromatic green onions, fragrant garlic, and a generous helping of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with a touch of fresh parsley, this dish delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this orzo side dish is not only delicious but also low in cholesterol, making it a healthy choice for any table. Just remember, if your orzo sticks to the pan, simply let it sit covered off the heat for a few minutes to loosen it up.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
green onions
3 (sliced, including tender green tops)
garlic
1 large clove (minced)
orzo pasta
1 cup (uncooked)
chicken stock
2 cups (liquid)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (freshly grated)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy.
2
Add the sliced green onions and minced garlic to the pan, sautéing them until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it is well-coated with the butter and mixed with the vegetables.
4
Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer until the liquid is fully absorbed and the orzo is al dente, approximately 18 minutes.
6
Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the orzo to finish cooking.
7
Fluff the orzo gently with a fork and then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Serve warm as a delightful side dish to accompany your favorite entrees.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Fresh Herbs?
It is a rich and creamy side dish that combines tender orzo pasta with aromatic green onions, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Who inspired this orzo recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the classic flavors found in Maryana Vollstedt's 'What's For Dinner'.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: butter, green onions, garlic, orzo, chicken stock, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
What is the first step in preparing the orzo?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it becomes foamy.
How long should I sauté the green onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
Should the green onion tops be included?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3 sliced green onions, including the tender green tops.
Do I cook the orzo pasta before adding it to the saucepan?
No, you add 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta to the butter and vegetable mixture.
How long do I cook the orzo with the butter before adding liquid?
Cook it for an additional minute to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the butter.
What liquid is used to cook the orzo?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chicken stock.
At what temperature should the orzo simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan.
How long does the orzo take to simmer?
It should simmer for approximately 18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is al dente.
What should I do if the orzo sticks to the pan?
If sticking occurs, let the pan sit covered off the heat for a few minutes to loosen the pasta.
Why do I need to let the orzo sit for 5 minutes after cooking?
This allows the orzo to finish cooking and settle before fluffing and serving.
How do I prepare the orzo for serving after it has sat?
Fluff the orzo gently with a fork before stirring in the remaining ingredients.
How much Parmesan cheese should be added?
Stir in 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What kind of herbs are used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Add salt and pepper to taste at the very end when you are stirring in the cheese and parsley.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy choice and carries the 'healthy recipe' tag.
Is this dish low in cholesterol?
Yes, this orzo side dish is specifically noted for being low in cholesterol.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While primarily a side dish, it is versatile enough to accompany any favorite entree.
How much orzo does the recipe require?
The recipe requires 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
What size clove of garlic is recommended?
One large clove of garlic, minced, is recommended.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
The recipe is tagged as vegetarian, though it specifies chicken stock; vegetarians may substitute with vegetable stock.
How should the Parmesan be prepared?
The Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for the best flavor and creaminess.
What is the texture of the finished orzo?
The finished dish is rich, creamy, and the pasta is cooked to an al dente texture.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, taking roughly 30 minutes of total preparation and cooking time.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served warm as a side dish.
Do I need to stir the orzo while it boils?
Yes, stir the mixture occasionally until it reaches a boil before lowering the heat to simmer.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The flavors include savory garlic, mild green onion, salty Parmesan, and fresh parsley.
What is the recipe ID for reference?
The recipe ID is creamy-parmesan-orzo-with-fresh-herbs.