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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can easily swap orzo with rice or quinoa. Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for more flavor. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or coconut cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a vegan option. Each serving has about 400 calories. It includes 15 grams of fat, 50 grams of carbs, and 10 grams of protein. This dish is rich in calcium from the cheese and provides a good amount of fiber from the orzo. Adjust portions based on your dietary needs. - Bring vegetable broth to a simmer. - Cook orzo according to package instructions. To start, you want to bring three cups of vegetable broth to a gentle simmer in a medium pot. This step is key because it gives your orzo a nice flavor. Once it simmers, add one cup of orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. - Sauté onion and garlic. - Combine orzo with cream and cheese. - Adjust consistency and seasoning. Now, while your orzo cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add one small, finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to turn translucent. Next, add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this for another minute or two until it smells great but doesn’t brown. Next, lower the heat and pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir it gently to mix with the onion and garlic. Gradually add the cooked orzo along with some broth from the pot. Stir well to blend everything together. Now it’s time for the cheese! Add one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix everything until it becomes creamy and the cheese melts, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. If the dish seems too thick, add a splash more broth or water to reach the right consistency. - Best garnishes for the dish. - Ideal pairings with proteins or vegetables. Once your dish is ready, let it sit for a minute. Serve it warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. For a complete meal, pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steamed vegetables. This creamy garlic Parmesan orzo is versatile and perfect for any weeknight dinner! To get that perfect creamy texture, you need to adjust the cream and cheese ratios. Use more heavy cream for a richer dish. If you want it lighter, add less cream and cheese. Stir gently while cooking to keep it smooth. To prevent sticking, stir the orzo every few minutes while it cooks. This keeps the pasta from clumping together. If it does stick, add a splash of broth or water while you stir. Overcooking the orzo can ruin the dish. Keep an eye on the time and test it for doneness. It should be firm but not hard. Not adjusting seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Taste as you cook. Add salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Don't forget the garlic powder for extra flavor! Adding herbs and spices can take your orzo to the next level. Try fresh parsley for a pop of color and taste. You can also add thyme or basil for more depth. Consider optional add-ins too. Veggies like spinach or peas boost nutrition and color. You can also add proteins like chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. This makes your dish more filling and tasty! {{image_2}} For a vegan twist, you can swap out the dairy. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast makes a great substitute for Parmesan cheese. This gives a cheesy flavor without using dairy. You can also use almond milk or soy milk for a lighter taste. These swaps keep the dish creamy and flavorful. Want less cleanup? You can make this dish in one pot. Start by cooking the orzo in the vegetable broth. Once it’s done, add the sautéed onion and garlic right in. Then, pour in the cream and cheese. This method saves time and makes washing up easier. You will still enjoy that creamy goodness! You can change up the flavors easily. Adding sun-dried tomatoes gives a nice touch of sweetness. Spinach adds color and extra nutrients. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. You can also mix in cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. These options make this dish fun and exciting every time you cook it! To keep your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo fresh, put it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors intact. If you notice it thickening, add a splash of broth before serving. You can freeze Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best to freeze it in single servings. This way, you can thaw just what you need later. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Remember to label the container with the date. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between heats to warm evenly. On the stovetop, add a bit of broth to keep it creamy. Heat on low, stirring gently until warm. This prevents it from drying out and keeps the texture smooth. Yes, you can use whole wheat orzo. It adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just be aware that it may take a little longer to cook. Check the package for specific cooking times to ensure it's tender but firm. To make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer this option now. You can also replace vegetable broth with gluten-free broth for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. Add some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce! Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat it gently to avoid drying out the pasta. Yes, you can prepare this meal ahead of time. Cook the orzo and sauce, then store them separately. Combine them just before serving for the best flavor and texture. This blog post covered a creamy garlic Parmesan orzo recipe. You learned about the ingredients, how to cook, and tasty variations. I shared tips for creamy texture and common mistakes to avoid. You can explore storage options and reheating methods too. Remember, you can customize this dish to suit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and substitutions. Simple steps make cooking fun and rewarding. Now, go create a delicious meal that impresses!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Savor the rich flavors of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo, a delightful dish that's quick and easy to make! With tender orzo pasta simmered in savory vegetable broth and coated in a luscious creamy garlic sauce, this recipe is perfect for any meal. Impress your family or guests with this comforting favorite.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

3 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat.

    Add the orzo pasta to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

      In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

        Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

          Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with the onions and garlic.

            Gradually add the cooked orzo to the skillet, along with the vegetable broth. Stir well to mix everything together.

              Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is creamy and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes.

                Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If it thickens too much, add a splash more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

                  Once everything is combined and heated through, remove from heat and allow it to sit for a minute.

                    Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4