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Close-up of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo in a white bowl showing the glossy ivory cream sauce and fluffy cheese.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo: The Ultimate 20-Minute Comfort Meal

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo features al dente pasta in a thick, glossy garlic cream sauce. Finished with fluffy parmesan and fresh parsley, it's a restaurant-quality side dish ready in just 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 345
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter 30g
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 cup Dry Orzo Pasta 200g
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth 480ml, low-sodium
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream 120ml
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese 50g, finely shredded
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley 5g, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Cracked Black Pepper 2.5g

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet A wide, shallow pan works best.
  • 1 Microplane For finely shredding the parmesan.

Method
 

Stovetop Method
  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Stir in the dry orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
  3. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta is al dente.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 1-2 minutes until thick and glossy. Remove from heat and fold in the parmesan cheese.
  5. Serve in a shallow bowl topped with extra fluffy parmesan, fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Toast the orzo for a deeper, nuttier flavor profile.