Creamy Orzo Herb and Parmesan

Monday, February 21, 2011
If you’re looking for an easy side dish this is the quickest and delicious little orzo side dish you'll ever make.

The butter and cheese cling to the pasta and it's a creamy mini pastina with a big bold flavor.

This recipe is printable if you scroll to the bottom and do not want to read the entire post, hit print and ads will do away.

I always have to double the recipe and never seem to make enough creamy orzo herb and Parmesan pastina it gets gobbled up so fast.


creamy orzo pastina recipe





The Easiest CreamyCreamy Orzo Herb and Parmesan!


A quick and easy side dish that goes great with any meal.

Baby mini pastina makes this a delicious easy way to come up with something different everyone will like.

It's a creamy tasty yet still light side dish with toasted pine nuts (or any toasted nuts you prefer you can substitute almonds, pecans, or pistachios) then add some Parmesan cheese and butter the flavors are spectacular and simple.

This recipe is printable if you scroll to the bottom and do not want to read the entire post, hit print and ads will do away.

close up of what orzo pastina looks like


Here is a Quick Look at making Our Orzo Side Dish:

  1. Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. 
  2. Add orzo, and saute for 3 minutes, stirring constantly or until it starts to get a golden brown.
  3.  Stir in broth and water; bring to a boil. 
  4. Reduce heat, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and the orzo is done (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat; stir in cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
  5.  Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately

orzo pasta


Ingredients To Have On Hand for Making Creamy Orzo

  • butter
  • orzo
  • chicken broth
  • water
  • grated fresh Parmesan cheese
  • chopped parsley
  •  chopped fresh basil 
  • minced garlic or powder 
  • salt 
  • freshly ground black pepper,( cayenne optional) 
  •  pine nuts toasted (I melt a teaspoon of butter in a small glass bowl and add the pine nuts for around two minutes till browned)


ingredients for orzo pasta side dish cheese, butter etc


Additions Mix-Ins and Pasta Suggestions

  • fresh spinach leaves
  • sliced onions
  • sauteed mushrooms 
  • sauteed broccoli rabe
  • diced tomatoes
  • artichoke hearts
  • cooked boneless chicken, steak, pork tenderloin, lamb
  • stir-friedroasted, or steamed vegetables
  • shrimp, scallops, lobster, clams
  • penne pasta, shells, or bow-tie pasta can are also great with this recipe
  • note: if you want to add different nuts just proceed the same with your favorite nuts


creamy sauce in a cast iron skillet


More Recipes to Try:



Cappellini Spinach Pomodoro
15 Pasta Recipes
Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Pin for later


pin for later creamy orzo side dish recipe


side dish recipes, orzo pasta recipes, creamy orzo pasta recipes, Parmesan orzo recipe,
pasta recipes, pastina recipes, tiny pasta recipes, miniature pasta recipes
Italian
Yield: 4
Author: Claudia Lamascolo
Creamy Orzo Herb and Parmesan

Creamy Orzo Herb and Parmesan

Creamy orzo is a tiny pasta that makes a fantastic side dish with any meal.
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 25 Min

Ingredients

  • Creamy Orzo Herb and Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic or powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper,( cayenne optional)
  • 4 teaspoons pine nuts, toasted (I melt a teaspoon of butter in a small glass bowl and add the pine nuts for around two minutes till browned)

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add orzo, and saute for 3 minutes, stirring constantly or until it starts to get a golden brown.
  3. Stir in broth and water; bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and the orzo is done (about 15 minutes).
  5. Remove from heat; stir in cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
  6. Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts.
  7. Serve immediately

Notes

Additions Mix-Ins and Pasta Suggestions

  • fresh spinach leaves
  • sliced onions
  • sauteed mushrooms 
  • sauteed broccoli rabe
  • diced tomatoes
  • artichoke hearts
  • cooked boneless chicken, steak, pork tenderloin, lamb
  • stir-fried,  roasted, or steamed vegetables
  • shrimp, scallops, lobster, clams
  • penne pasta, shells, or bow-tie pasta can are also great with this recipe
  • note: if you want to add different nuts just proceed the same with your favorite nuts



The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.




Pin for later



More Recipes We Love


Mom's Homemade Italian Sausage Recipe

Pasta and Broccoli Aioli

Homemade Orecchiette

Roman-StyleSpaghetti Alla Carbonara

44 comments

  1. Wonderful looking Orzo! I am planing to make something like this for a while now..and will have to try this recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks great Claudia. I've never cooked orzo before, it seems to resemble risotto. I'd love to try making this.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Except for throwing some into soup at the last minute, I have never cooked this little cutie. And to make matters worse, I purchased another bag to use for a dish like this and dropped it and it split and the contents went everywhere and then into the garbage. So back to the store because this looks delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, this looks so tasteful that I am already hungry :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm making wedding soup with orzo today, but will have half a box. Will try this risotto-like dish as a side later in the week. Wonderful recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This looks delicious! What a fabulous side dish!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such an orzo fan - love this creamy delightful version. Will save this recipe for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thks for introducing me to Orzo! Mmm... must start looking for this :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love orzo, one of my favorite pastas!

    ReplyDelete
  10. WOW!!! It looks delicious! I love orzo and have to try making it now. Thanks for the recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I just love the roasted pine nuts in this dish.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am loving this preparation - the cheese and herbs just show off the orzo.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Orzo's one of my favorites. This dish looks so mouthwaternigly creamy. Great photos -- I almost opened my mouth for the spoon!

    ReplyDelete
  14. This looks delicious! I add pine nuts to just about everything these days so orzo with parmesan and pine nuts has my name written all over it. YUMMY!

    ReplyDelete
  15. yummy yummy love the flavours in this dish

    ReplyDelete
  16. That looks fantastic! Orzo is one of my favorite things to have with just about any meal. So good...

    ReplyDelete
  17. I could only wonder why I haven't got around to buying Orzo? I have so many grains in my pantry...one more wouldn't hurt ;o)

    Thanks for the nudge,
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lovely recipe, never tried to cook Orzo..Will def try this recipe..

    ReplyDelete
  19. Such a simple, quick and tasty dish! Love this!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh, Claudia, I love, love this orzo! I've made something similar and am just lucky enough to have some fresh basil in the kitchen. YUM!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have everything in my kitchen to make this...can't WAIT! Simple ingredients make the best side dishes...think I'll serve with some pan-seared chicken breast and a nice salad!

    ReplyDelete
  22. lovely Orzo! looks so savory.. saving your recipe to give a try.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Parmesan Orzo is one of my favorites! Love it with the pine nuts!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Yummy! This looks so flavorful and i absolutely love pine nuts in recipes :D
    -abeer @ www.cakewhiz.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Delicious looking orzo, love the addition of toasted pine nuts here!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am really fun of reading your post.

    I will surely try this in my kitchen.

    ReplyDelete
  27. You know Claudia, I've never had orzo and I'm reading your recipe and trying to imagine chewing on orzo right now LOL I do like the flavours here and the texture is really intriguing to me!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would double this recipe, too. It looks so flavorful!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Claudia-I just love, love, your orzo dish with the herbs, and Parmesan. Such beautiful and large photos of it as well. It makes me want to take that fork of the yummy goodness!
    Your photos are getting better, and better...and even if not, your recipes, are always a WINNER!
    Thanks for sharing, yet again, another delicious recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  30. My husband loves orzo but it's been a long time since we last made it. Quick, simple and nutritious. Will definitely try it!

    ReplyDelete
  31. This looks so creamy and delicious. I love the looks of it!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love orzo! This looks so wonderful and divine!

    xx,
    Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  33. Wow! This looks just amazing, bookmarking this recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  34. What else can be said about this amazing dish? Orzo is versatile and wonderful isn't it. Very nice display too Claudia. Love the photo post on FB, up close and personal just begging to be eaten!

    ReplyDelete
  35. This is a fantastic side dish. I love orzo but don't utilize it enough.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Rich and creamy goodness! This looks spectacular!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow..Awesome click..luv to follow ur italian recipes..

    ReplyDelete
  38. mmmm I love orzo! This reminds me I need to make it soon. I normally throw it into soups and forget to make it on its own.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Orzo is a favorite of mine... and I love the way you've prepared it here. Looks like a fabulous side dish to accompany almost anything!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love orzo...beautiful recipe Claudia :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love orzo...beautiful recipe Claudia :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. a beautiful orzo,looks so tasty!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm now in the mood for a platter of delicious orzo - - especially made with parmesan and herbs! Delicious Claudia!

    ReplyDelete

Remember to use the search option for a recipe you're looking for and thanks for all your kind words and support. We love our readers all the best Claudia