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An overhead close-up shot of the creamy garlic parmesan pasta in a skillet, showing its rich and smooth texture.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo: Your New Favorite 30-Minute Meal

Discover the ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo, a one-pan wonder ready in under 30 minutes. This easy recipe creates a rich, velvety pasta dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant side.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon Butter Unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta uncooked
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth low-sodium
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
  • 0.75 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, plus more for garnish
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach fresh
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt or to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
  • 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until it’s lightly toasted and smells nutty. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
  3. Pour in a splash of the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Then, add the rest of the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the baby spinach and stir until it has just wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  7. Serve the creamy garlic parmesan orzo warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Tip 1: For the creamiest results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Tip 2: Feel free to substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian.
Tip 3: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.