Anyone else get stuck in a side dish rut? I feel like we always have the same three things.
I wanted to branch out, and needed something to go with our Parmesan Crusted Tilapia and a little pasta sounded so good.
This Parmesan Orzo is cheesy, filling, and kid-friendly to boot. Really, I promise. It’s basically like an adult version of mac ‘n cheese. 😉
What is orzo?
If you haven’t tried orzo before, you absolutely NEED to!
Orzo is a flat, rice-shaped pasta that is great served plain, in soups, or in salads.
The texture is similar to that of rice, but it cooks up a lot faster. It has double the protein of brown rice (and less fat).
How to Make Parmesan Orzo
This recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients and under 30 minutes. You need:
- butter
- orzo pasta
- chicken broth
- parmesan cheese
- basil (we used dried, but fresh would be good, too)
It’s ready in 3 easy steps.
Step 1: Melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Add pasta and saute until lightly browned (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 2: Stir in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, then cover and let it cook (stirring occasionally) until liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 3: Mix in parmesan cheese, basil, and salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Add-Ins or Substitutions
This recipe is really easy to make your own. Here are some different ingredients you can add in or substitute:
- 1/2 cup cream in place of 1/2 cup chicken broth (it will make the entire recipe creamier and even more mac and cheesy)
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Grilled, diced chicken (and then you could serve it as the main dish)
- Minced garlic
- Chopped fresh spinach
- Tomatoes
- Shredded Romano cheese for topping
Have you heard about our newest cookbook, Copycat Cooking? We took over 100 of our favorite restaurant recipes and simplified them so that you can make them right at home!
Every recipe has a beautiful mouth-watering photo and has been picky-eater approved. The directions are simple, easy to follow, and do not require any strange ingredients.
This cookbook includes copycat recipes from Wingers, Texas Roadhouse, Starbucks, Panera, Cheesecake Factory, Kneaders, and so much more. We have you covered from drinks, to dessert and everything in-between.
We are so excited to share these recipes with you. Order your copy today!
More pasta side dishes
- Broccoli and Cheese Orzo
- The Best Homemade Pasta Salad
- Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad
- Greek Pasta Salad
Parmesan Orzo Side Dish
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 14½ ounces chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon dried basil
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Add pasta and saute until lightly browned (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, then cover and let it cook (stirring occasionally) until liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Mix in parmesan cheese, basil, and salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.Be sure to not miss another recipe!
Follow Six Sisters’ Stuff on Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube
This is a family favorite and one of the few recipes my 8th grader doesn’t mind making :). We discovered it through the healthy meal plan and continue to make it a few times a month!
Do you happen to know the nutrition facts of this recipe
Great recipe…easy and tasty!!
This has become one of my favorite side dishes! Quick,easy, and delicious! I used garlic salt this last time instead of regular and turned out great!