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An extreme close-up shot of creamy parmesan orzo, showing the texture of the pasta and the rich garlic sauce.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo: The Ultimate Recipe

A rich, flavorful, and easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes. This one-pan dish features tender orzo in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic finely minced
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta uncooked
  • 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth low sodium
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
  • 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions
 

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
  2. Add the dry orzo to the skillet. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to toast the pasta until it's lightly golden and nutty.
  3. Pour in a splash of broth to deglaze the pan. Add the remaining broth, bring to a simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  5. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it melts much smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add an extra splash of broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
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