Ingredients (~6 servings)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp butter (salted butter)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic (minced)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Toast the Orzo in Fat
Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat.
Add orzo and stir to coat the pasta. Cook for ~2-3 minutes until the pasta begins to brown just slightly.
You’ll hear the orzo start to crackle a bit as it toasts – that’s what you want.
Add Garlic and Stock
Clear a spot in the center of the pan and add the garlic. Cook for ~30-60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
Stir in chicken stock, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and then place a lid on the skillet.
Cook over low heat, stirring often, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is cooked to your liking – about ~10-12 minutes.
If the orzo becomes too dry add 2-3 more tablespoons of stock.
Finish with Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another ~1-2 minutes until the cream is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
The residual heat will melt the cheese and make everything creamy without overcooking it.
Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you want.
Creamy Orzo Pasta
Ingredients
Ingredients (~6 servings)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp butter salted butter
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic minced
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp fresh parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add orzo and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring, until lightly browned and crackling.
- Clear a spot in the center, add garlic, and cook 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken stock, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cover.
- Cook over low heat 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until liquid is absorbed and pasta is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and cook 1-2 minutes until absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
