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Garlic Butter Orzo

Garlic Butter Orzo
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Garlic Butter Orzo is a quick, easy, and irresistibly creamy side dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in rich butter and aromatic garlic. Enhanced with broth, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, it pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses and is customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Core Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Garlic in Butter: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, infusing the butter with garlic aroma.
  2. Toast the Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes, toasting the grains lightly in the garlic butter to enhance their nutty flavor.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stir to combine, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a slight gap for steam to escape, and simmer until the orzo absorbs all the liquid and becomes tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Stir in Cheese and Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then fluff the orzo gently with a fork to combine all flavors evenly.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-chopped or powdered garlic.
  • When simmering, cover the pan but leave a small gap to avoid sogginess.
  • Choose quality broth or homemade stock to enhance flavor.
  • Fluff the orzo gently after cooking to prevent breaking the pasta grains.
  • Add fresh herbs last to preserve their color and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Butter Orzo, creamy orzo, easy side dish, garlic pasta, quick orzo recipe, buttery orzo, comfort food, vegetarian side

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/garlic-butter-orzo/