Orzo with Parmesan and Basil
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly simple yet satisfying Orzo with Parmesan and Basil. This dish transforms humble ingredients into a creamy, flavorful experience, reminiscent of a Mediterranean macaroni and cheese. It’s quick, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite.
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate
42 g
-
Cholesterol
24 mg
-
Fiber
2 g
-
Protein
12 g
-
Saturated Fat
6 g
-
Sodium
197 mg
-
Sugar
2 g
-
Fat
9 g
-
Unsaturated Fat
0 g
DIRECTIONS
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01 Step
Recipe View
In a heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. (2 minutes)
02 Step
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Add the orzo and sauté, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and toasted. This will enhance the nutty flavor of the pasta. (3-5 minutes)
03 Step
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the orzo is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. (15-20 minutes)
04 Step
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Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the chopped basil until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. (1 minute)
05 Step
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so adjust accordingly.
06 Step
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Transfer the orzo to a shallow serving bowl. Garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or vegetable broth.
To make a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Feel free to add other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or peas for extra nutrients and flavor.
For a quicker cooking time, you can use pre-cooked orzo, but be sure to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.
If you omit the basil, you'll have a delicious, simple Parmesan orzo, perfect as a side dish or light meal.
RECIPE REVIEWS
Avarage Rating:
4.7/ 5 ( 2.2K Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
Corrine Tillman
May 25, 2025My kids loved this! I used vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian.
Carolanne Shanahan
Mar 24, 2025I doubled the recipe for a family gathering and it was a huge hit!
Bette Wunsch
Jan 22, 2025A great base recipe. I like to add a little garlic when sauteing the orzo.
Lauren Boyer
Dec 29, 2024This is my go-to side dish when I need something quick and impressive.
Chelsie Langosh
Feb 20, 2024I added some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra Mediterranean flair. It was amazing!
Britney Wolff
Feb 3, 2024Simple yet delicious! I recommend using high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
Lyric Spinka
Jan 9, 2023This recipe is so easy and quick! I added a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a little extra zing.
Lessie Cremin
Oct 18, 2022The toasting of the orzo really makes a difference! Don't skip that step.