Garlicky Parmesan Bliss Orzo

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving The ingredients for Quick Garlic Parmesan Orzo are simple yet flavorful. Start with one cup of orzo pasta. This tiny pasta cooks fast and soaks up flavor well. You will need three tablespoons of olive oil. It helps to sauté the garlic and adds richness. Next, grab four cloves of garlic. Mince them for a strong, aromatic base. If you like heat, add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick. You also need half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese melts beautifully, adding creaminess. One cup of vegetable broth serves as the cooking liquid for the orzo. It brings depth to the dish. You will need a quarter cup of fresh parsley, chopped. This brightens the dish and adds color. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. They enhance all the flavors. Lastly, prepare some lemon wedges for serving. A squeeze of lemon brings freshness to each bite. With these ingredients, you can create a savory and simple dish that is sure to please. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring 1 cup of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the orzo to be al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm. Once cooked, drain the orzo but save a little of the cooking liquid. This can help moisten the dish later. While the orzo cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. If you like a little heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes too. Sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want it fragrant, but be careful not to brown it. If it burns, the flavor turns bitter. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained orzo to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss the orzo well to coat it in the oil and garlic. Next, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a tablespoon of the reserved cooking liquid at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice. When selecting orzo, look for a brand that offers high-quality pasta. Check the package for whole grain orzo. This type has more fiber and nutrients. Look for a smooth texture, as this helps it cook evenly. Avoid orzo with broken pieces; it won't cook the same. If you can, buy orzo from a trusted store or online retailer. To enhance the garlic flavor, add more minced garlic or roast it first. Roasting garlic gives a deeper taste. You can also add spices like oregano or thyme for extra flavor. For a kick, sprinkle in more red pepper flakes. If you want a fresh twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice or zest. Fresh herbs like basil can also brighten the dish. Serve your orzo warm, right after cooking for best taste. Add extra grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and a fresh taste. Lemon wedges on the side are perfect for squeezing over each serving. This dish goes well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a simple salad. Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the flavor of the garlic and orzo, making the dish more aromatic and delicious. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or add a dollop of cream cheese for a richer taste. Add Seasonal Vegetables: Toss in seasonal vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added nutrition and color. Perfect the Lemon Squeeze: A fresh squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens up the dish and balances the flavors beautifully. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish more colorful and healthy by adding veggies. Try using seasonal options like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the orzo. This adds flavor and nutrients. You can also use frozen peas or broccoli if fresh veggies are not available. Want to make your orzo a full meal? Add protein! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or cubed tofu work great. Cook the protein separately and mix it in when you combine the orzo and garlic. This makes the dish heartier and keeps you full longer. If you want to switch up the flavor, try different herbs. Basil, thyme, or oregano can give your orzo a new twist. Just chop the herbs finely and stir them in during the final mix. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting every time you make it. I recommend storing leftover Quick Garlic Parmesan Orzo in an airtight container. Let it cool first before sealing. This keeps the orzo fresh and safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it in a pan. You can add a splash of vegetable broth to help it regain moisture. If you want to freeze the orzo, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it is completely cool before you freeze it. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it on the stove with a little olive oil or broth. This helps bring back its creamy texture. The shelf life of cooked orzo is about three days in the fridge. If frozen, it lasts up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or has a strange texture, it's best to toss it. To make Garlic Parmesan Orzo vegan, you can swap a few ingredients. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Instead of olive oil, try using vegan butter for richness. Lastly, check that your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly. These simple swaps keep your dish tasty and plant-based. Yes, you can use other pasta types! Small shapes like ditalini or couscous work well. You can also try whole wheat pasta for a nutty taste. Just adjust the cooking times based on the type of pasta you choose. This way, you can enjoy your orzo recipe with your favorite pasta! Garlic Parmesan Orzo pairs great with many dishes. Serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. A fresh salad adds crunch and color to your meal. For a vegetarian option, try roasted veggies on the side. You can also enjoy it with a light soup. These pairings make a complete and satisfying meal! This blog post shared a simple way to make Garlic Parmesan Orzo. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and important tips to enhance flavor. You learned how to add veggies, proteins, and herbs for variety. Storing leftovers safely keeps your meals fresh longer. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Explore new flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your delicious dish!$

Garlicky Parmesan Bliss Orzo

A delicious orzo pasta dish infused with garlic and Parmesan, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup vegetable broth
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
to taste salt
to taste pepper
as needed lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
While the orzo is cooking, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Drain the cooked orzo, reserving a bit of the cooking liquid if desired.
Add the drained orzo to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat the orzo in the oil and garlic evenly.
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Toss everything together, adding reserved cooking liquid a tablespoon at a time if the mixture seems dry.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over each plate.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing.

Keyword garlic, orzo, Parmesan, pasta, vegetarian