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Garlic Parmesan Orzo Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a perfect side dish for dinner tonight! This grown up twist on mac and cheese will have you going back for seconds.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Parmesan Orzo
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 272 kcal
Author Jenn Laughlin - Peas and Crayons

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 large shallot* (1/4 cup minced)
  • 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large pan (grab one that's deep enough for your orzo + sauce) over medium-high heat and sauté your shallot and garlic until tender, adding the garlic towards the end to prevent burning. If extra butter is needed, feel free to add as desired.

  2. Add your milk, broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir with a whisk to deglaze the pan.
  3. With your burner set to medium (I had mine set to 6) add the orzo and stir. Set timer for 10 minutes. Once the orzo starts to really boil and bubble, reduce heat to low (2 worked great on my stove) and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the pasta is al-dente or your ideal softness, remove from heat. Sauce will be thin and thicken as it cools. Add your parmesan cheese and chopped spinach and fold into the orzo.
  5. Season to taste as desired, garnish with any additional cheese your heart desires and dig in while it's hot!

Recipe Notes

* No shallot? No problem! Finely minced white or yellow onion will totally work here.

Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts
Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Amount Per Serving
Calories 272 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 21mg7%
Sodium 957mg42%
Potassium 294mg8%
Carbohydrates 35g12%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 14g28%
Vitamin A 1981IU40%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 321mg32%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.