The butter and cheese cling to the pasta and it's a creamy mini pastina with a big bold flavor.
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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.
Why your will love Creamy 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 that 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).
- Add some Parmesan cheese and butter; the flavors are spectacular and simple.
- This is a simple and quick side dish you can whip up quickly on busy schedules and weeknights.
Other Additions for this Orzo Side Dish:
- steamed chopped broccoli
- steamed chopped asparagus
- cooked diced carrots
- a medley of chopped steamed vegetables
- crispy fried bacon
- leftover chopped cooked meats of any kind
- shredded provolone or cheddar melted with the pasta
More Recipes to Try:
Cappellini Spinach Pomodoro
15 Pasta Recipes
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
More 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 also be great with this recipe
- Note: if you want to add different nuts, just proceed in the same way with your favorite nuts
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Yield: 4
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
- Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add orzo, and saute for 3 minutes, stirring constantly or until it starts to get a golden brown.
- Stir in broth and water; bring to a boil.
- 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.
- Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts.
- 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.
These are all copyright-protected images and content. Do not reprint/reuse this recipe or its images without my written permission.
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