Some nights call for something simple, buttery, and comforting. This parmesan garlic orzo is one of those quiet little dinners that surprises you with how good it is. It is soft and creamy, with just enough garlic and salty Parmesan to make every bite feel cozy and satisfying.
This Parmesan garlic orzo recipe comes together fast and uses pantry staples you probably already have. I have made this more times than I can count, and it is one of those dishes that disappears straight from the pan. Ready to try it? Let's get cooking.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Creamy without being heavy
- Kid-friendly and family-approved
- Perfect as a main or an easy side dish
Ingredients
Here is everything you need for this easy orzo dinner.
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
A few small notes from my kitchen to yours.
- Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and turns beautifully creamy. Stir it once or twice so it does not stick.
- Butter: This recipe leans on butter for richness. If you want to lighten it slightly, you can reduce it by a tablespoon.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated melts smoother and tastes fuller than the shelf-stable kind.
- Milk: Just enough to loosen the sauce and give it that silky finish.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still slightly firm, about 11 minutes. Drain well.
- While the orzo cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic to the melted butter and cook, stirring often, until lightly golden and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point.
- Stir the cooked orzo into the garlic butter. Add the Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir gently until everything is creamy and well combined. Serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Do not rush the garlic. Let it turn lightly golden for the best flavor.
- If the orzo looks thick, add a splash of warm water or milk to loosen it.
- Taste before serving. Parmesan varies in saltiness, so adjust as needed.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Make Ahead and Freezing
This dish is best fresh, but you can make it a few hours ahead and reheat before serving. I do not recommend freezing, as the texture softens too much once thawed.
Tips and Variations
- Add cooked chicken or sausage to turn it into a full meal.
- Stir in peas or spinach for a pop of color.
- Finish with lemon zest for a fresh, bright note.
- Swap parsley for basil if that is what you have on hand.
FAQs
Yes, and it adds extra flavor. Just keep an eye on the salt level.
Absolutely. The mild garlic and creamy texture are very kid-friendly.
You can, and it still turns out rich and smooth.
📖 Recipe
Parmesan Garlic Orzo
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious garlic parmesan orzo recipe made with butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Creamy, comforting, and ready in just 25 minutes - perfect as a side or a light main!
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, salt, and black pepper, stirring until creamy and well mixed.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream. You can add sautéed mushrooms or peas for more texture and nutrition. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 312
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this parmesan garlic orzo with roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad. It also works beautifully alongside salmon or as a cozy bowl all on its own.
Nutrition and Notes
This recipe makes four servings at about 312 calories per serving. It is simple, comforting, and one of those dishes that proves you do not need many ingredients to make something special. I tested this version several times to get the balance of butter, garlic, and cheese just right.
Reader Reviews
Many home cooks have shared how much they love this recipe. One reader called it a crowd pleaser every time, and I could not agree more.
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