Description
Comfort meets elegance in this creamy garlic parmesan orzo, a Mediterranean-inspired dish that whispers sophistication. Smooth pasta pearls dance with rich parmesan and garlic, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted boiling water bath and cook orzo to al dente perfection, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Return the pot to medium heat, gently melt butter until it shimmers and becomes golden. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing for 60-90 seconds to release its aromatic essence.
- Stream vegetable broth into the pot, allowing it to reach a gentle simmer. Lower the temperature and introduce heavy cream, letting it warm and integrate smoothly.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese incrementally, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, velvety sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Fold the cooked orzo into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta kernel is lavishly coated. Maintain a low heat for 2-3 minutes to thoroughly warm and marry the ingredients.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately, adorning with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or low-fat Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus to transform this side dish into a complete vegetarian meal.
- Choose low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt content and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg