Orzo with Parmesan and Basil is a simple orzo pasta dish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Just like a Mediterranean macaroni and cheese!
I already mentioned in the Tomates Provencales recipe how my sister's boyfriend Steve is a great cook. He made this orzo for our New Year's Eve dinner, and it was so delicious. This makes a great side dish, and it's very simple to make!
The basic recipe is adaptable to so many flavors - it doesn't even have to be Italian. I think it would be good if you toss in some Greek spices with feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, and spinach!
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Saute Orzo
This recipe is very simple. First the orzo is sauteed in melted butter.
Stir the orzo frequently to avoid burning it.
Once the pasta is starting to brown, it's time to add the broth.
Add the Broth
Once the pasta is golden brown, the chicken broth is added.
Raise the heat to boil the liquid, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer until the pasta is al dente.
Finish the Orzo
Once the broth has evaporated, the Parmesan cheese and basil are stirred in. Serve with extra Parmesan and fresh chopped basil on top.
Gluten Free Option
Use gluten free orzo in place of traditional pasta for a gluten free side dish.
Looking for More Orzo Recipes?
Check out these recipes featuring orzo pasta:
Lemon Orzo Salad
Creamy Orzo
Tomato, Zucchini and Olive Orzo
Orzo Stuffed Peppers
📖 Recipe
Orzo with Parmesan and Basil
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 14.5 ounces chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (see note)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Optional Additions:
- chopped tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, spinach, chicken, roasted red peppers, olives, red onion, feta
Instructions
- Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo and saute until lightly browned.2 tablespoons butter, 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- Stir in chicken stock and bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.14.5 ounces chicken broth
- Mix in Parmesan cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a shallow bowl. Garnish with basil sprigs.½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Anonymous says
Mmm...the orzo and those tomatoes look delicious!
Leslie says
Great flavors. A nice way to change up Orzo!
Kerstin says
Yum - I love all the cheese on top!
Sharon says
I'm an orzo lover and those tomatoes look amazing!
Aggie says
What a delicious meal! I love everything about it!
Liz M. says
This caught my eye because I'm trying to serve at least one meatless dish a week. I think this would be hearty enough, along with the tomates provencial, to satisfy Mr. "Where's The Beef?" I wonder how some mushrooms would taste added to this.