Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 2 teaspoons); 2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked; 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup half-and-half (or use heavy cream for extra richness); ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 2 teaspoons)

2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked

3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup half-and-half (or use heavy cream for extra richness)

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Sauté the Garlic
In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic—it should stay pale and aromatic.
Toast the Orzo
Stir the uncooked orzo into the pan and toast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step gives the orzo a slightly nutty flavor and helps prevent it from turning mushy later.
Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Continue cooking until the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.
Add the Creamy Element
Once the orzo is cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the half-and-half until everything is evenly coated and silky. Let it warm gently for about a minute without boiling.
Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring as it melts into the sauce. Finish with chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Rest and Serve
Let the orzo sit for 2–3 minutes before serving—it will thicken slightly as it rests. Serve warm as a side dish or add your favorite protein to make it a complete meal.

Notes

For extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine when toasting the orzo before the broth.
Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Thicker sauce: Let the orzo sit a few extra minutes before serving.
Lighter version: Replace half-and-half with whole milk (it will be slightly less creamy but still delicious).
Add-ins: Try spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or cooked mushrooms for a heartier version.

Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 20 min