Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta: A Hearty Skillet Meal (Print Version)
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta is a quick, cheesy, and comforting skillet meal. Discover my easy recipe for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 cup orzo pasta
02 -
3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
→ Flavor Boosters
03 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
Salt, to taste
06 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Creamy Elements
07 -
½ cup heavy cream
08 -
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
→ Finishing Touches
09 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab your favorite skillet – I prefer a wide, shallow one for this. Melt the butter over medium heat. When it's shimmering, toss in that glorious minced garlic. Oh, the smell! This is where the magic begins, honestly. Sauté it for just about a minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned. I always get a little too excited here and almost burn the garlic, which, to be real, is a disaster you want to avoid. Keep it moving, keep it golden!
02 -
Next, pour in the dry orzo pasta and stir it around in that buttery garlic goodness. We're going to toast it for 2-3 minutes, letting it get a little golden and nutty. This step adds so much depth of flavor to your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta. I didn't expect that the first time I made it, but it truly makes a difference. Just keep stirring to prevent sticking – I’ve had it stick to the bottom before, and scraping burnt pasta is no fun, believe me!
03 -
Now for the liquid! Pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. The orzo will absorb the broth and become plump and tender. This is where I always forget to salt the water, but with broth, it’s less critical. Just peek occasionally to stir and make sure it’s not drying out too fast. If it looks thirsty, add a splash more broth!
04 -
Once the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream. Oh, this is the moment! It transforms the dish into that luscious, velvety Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta we’re aiming for. Let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Don't boil it vigorously, we're going for a gentle hug of creaminess, not a violent bubble bath!
05 -
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated. This is where the dish truly gets its "Parmesan" title. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. I'm always tasting and adjusting here – a little more salt, a grind of pepper, sometimes even a tiny squeeze of lemon if I want to brighten it up. Don't be shy about tasting; it's your kitchen, your rules!
06 -
Finally, stir in that fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Give it one last gentle stir, and there you have it – a magnificent skillet of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta. It should look rich, smell absolutely divine with all that garlic and cheese, and taste like pure comfort. I love serving it immediately, maybe with a little extra Parmesan on top. Enjoy your delicious creation!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the orzo! It can go from perfectly al dente to mushy quickly, so keep an eye on it after 10 minutes.
02 -
When reheating, add a splash of extra chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce back up.
03 -
If you're out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano can be a good, sharper substitute.
04 -
Serve with a bright green salad to cut through the richness beautifully.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet with lid
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Knife
04 -
Grater (for Parmesan)
05 -
Wooden spoon
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 550
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 20g