Creamy Parmesan Orzo. While it's perfect as a side dish, I prefer this as a meal on its own because it's cheesy, creamy and really hits the spot. A recipe for quick and easy creamy orzo pasta made with spinach and Parmesan cheese. I think it has something to do with the way orzo is so fun for everyone at the table.

Make a creamy pasta side dish by slowly cooking orzo in a simmering broth. Add flavor with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil and pine nuts. Tonight we'll be making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo! You can cook Creamy Parmesan Orzo using 10 ingredients and 3 steps. Here is how you achieve that.

Ingredients of Creamy Parmesan Orzo

Prepare 2 tbsp. of olive oil.
You need 2 tbsp. of unsalted butter.
You need 1/2 of small yellow onion, diced finely.
Prepare 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
Prepare 2 cups of orzo pasta, uncooked.
You need 2 cups of chicken broth, low sodium recommended.
You need 2 cups of half & half.
Prepare 1 cup of freshly shredded parmesan cheese.
Prepare to taste of salt & pepper, dried parsley.
It's 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach (optional).

While it's perfect as a side dish. This creamy, cheesy, Parmesan orzo is my kind of dish and the kind of dish I could have every single night for lunch or dinner. You've got your proteins, your veggies, and my favorite. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a perfect side dish for dinner tonight!

Creamy Parmesan Orzo instructions

In a large pot with a tight fitting lid, heat the olive oil and butter over med-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the onion to the pot and cook, stirring often, until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, just another minute or so..
Stir in the orzo and let it toast for a couple of minutes. Increase the heat to high and stir in the broth and half & half. Once it reaches a boil, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to med-low. Let this simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly been absorbed by the orzo..
Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the parmesan cheese (and the spinach if using). Then season to taste and serve immediately. Refrigerate any leftovers..

This tasty twist on mac and cheese will have you going back for seconds! Orzo is a little pasta that is shaped like rice and can be used in soups, stews, casseroles or a delicious side dish. Easy Parmesan Spinach Orzo - This simple spinach orzo pasta recipe combines delicious orzo, garlic, spinach, and, of course, parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy comfort dish! What do you think of this creamy parmesan and vegetable orzo? This buttery pasta dish calls for orzo, which cooks quickly and Orzo recipes make a superb side dish anytime, and in this dish, the garlic and Parmesan cheese really stand out.