Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Orzo

Submitted by Kittencalrecipezazz

"The garlic may be adjusted to taste, we love garlic so I use 2 heaping tablespoons, I have left the chili flakes as optional add in for some heat if desired, cooking time does not include cooking the orzo."

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked dry orzo pasta
• 1⁄3 cup butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (you may adjust to taste)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to suit heat level)
• 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄4 - 1⁄3 cup light cream (such as half and half or 18% table cream)
• 2 -3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

directions

1. Cook the orzo according to the package directions; drain well.
2. In a large skillet melt the butter over medium heat; add in the onion and saute until just softened (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add in fresh garlic and chili flakes the last 2 minutes of cooking.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add in the cooked orzo, Parmesan cheese, milk or cream, parsley and salt; toss to heat through.
5. Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.

Reviews

[sissaroo]

Oh my goodness, This is amazing... I cut corners and used what I had on hand (shallots, whole milk, jared garlic) I also did not have fresh parsley, and it is still the best!! I can not wait untill I can make it with the right ingrediants.. I should have known it was a kittencal recipe when I started to read it and thought Holy Cow I have to make this for dinner!! She never dissapoints. Thank You again for helping me make a great dinner, and to hear my two small children say "AGH that was some good dinner mom!"

 

[PanNan]

We loved this recipe! I cut it in half for the two of us, and we still have a couple servings left over. It's quick and easy, and oh so yummy. Thanks for posting, Kittencal.

 

[Abby Girl]

Oh, this dish was sinful!!! I used shallots instead of the onion and cream (because I had them available)...and cut down on the garlic to about 3 cloves. I cooked the orzo in chicken broth and set it aside for probably 30 minutes. Once I cooked the onions and garlic... added the pasta, I probably added about 1/2+cup cream as it was on the dry side. I put the orzo pasta in a dish and put it in my toaster oven at 300 to keep warm until I was ready to serve it. Next time, I will cut the orzo down to 1-1/2 cups as there was a huge amount of pasta...more for 8 servings than 6. My DH doesn't care for orzo...it's OK as far as I am concerned...DDs love the stuff, but we all agreed that this dish was yummy, yummy! This dish is very flexable...you could add fresh herbs or veggies to the dish and give it a whole different taste! Thanks Kitten for another wonderful dish!!

 

[Sandy918Mom]

Very tasty! I added the red pepper and would recommend including it. And the more garlic the better. I used cream and it turned out delicious. Will make it again. Very simple to make.

 

[IngridH]

Excelent side dish! I used cream instead of milk, and included the optional pepper flakes. This was creamy, garlicy and above all, yummy! I'll definately make again, but will likely use milk instead of cream as I like a slightly looser texture and had to add extra liquid to get there.