Parmesan and Basil Orzo

This is a great recipe....tastes great and it is so quick and easy to make! Plus it goes with a wide range of meats, making it a great weeknight side dish. This is from the cookbook "June Fete Fare".

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4 cups

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
• 3  tablespoons butter, melted
• 3  cups chicken broth
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1⁄4 cup  plus 2 tablespoons fresh basil, julienne-sliced
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper

• Garnish

•  fresh basil sprig

Directions

1. Saute the orzo in butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until golden. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
2. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, julienned-sliced basil, and salt and pepper to taste.