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garlic parmesean orzo
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4.28 from 36 votes

Garlic Parmesan Orzo Recipe

This creamy orzo recipe is a quick and easy one-pot side dish that goes well with just about anything.  It’s made with orzo pasta, fresh spinach, garlic and Parmesan cheese and finished with a little splash of cream. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 56kcal
Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Salted Butter can substitute olive oil
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons Garlic minced
  • 2 ⅔ cups Chicken Broth
  • 2 cups Spinach fresh, chopped into ½" slices
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 16 oz Orzo Pasta
  • ¼ cup Heavy Cream optional
  • 2 Tablespoons Parsley fresh chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and melt.  Once melted, add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden brown.  Add the chicken broth, spinach, Parmesan cheese, salt and orzo pasta, stir lightly and cover with a lid.  
  • Reduce heat to low and cook the pasta at a low simmer, stirring every 2-3 minutes.  Cook the orzo until the cheese is melted, there is no more liquid and the pasta has cooked to al dente, or about 8-9 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cream (if desired), then cover with a lid for 2-3 more minutes.  This will allow the pasta to soak up the rest of the liquid.  To finish, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh minced parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 491mg | Potassium: 100mg | Vitamin A: 840IU | Vitamin C: 6.7mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 0.4mg