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Creamy One-Skillet Garlic Butter Orzo

creamy one-skillet garlic butter orzo - featured image
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A quick and easy one-skillet meal featuring orzo pasta cooked in garlic butter and chicken broth, finished with cream and Parmesan for a creamy, comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 180g)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (600ml), homemade or low-sodium
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120ml), optional
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g), optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: mince garlic, grate Parmesan, chop parsley, and zest lemon if using.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and slightly bubbling (1-2 minutes).
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Add orzo pasta and stir to coat in garlic butter. Toast for about 2 minutes until edges look slightly translucent.
  5. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy and combined. Adjust thickness with more broth or cream if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  9. Serve immediately warm.

Notes

Do not burn the garlic; stir constantly and keep heat moderate. Toasting the orzo before adding liquid adds a nutty flavor. Use broth instead of water for richer taste. Heavy cream is optional but recommended for creaminess. Season in stages to avoid over-salting. Cover skillet during simmering to speed cooking but watch to prevent sticking. For reheating, add broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-skillet, garlic butter, orzo, creamy, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/creamy-one-skillet-garlic-butter-orzo-recipe-for-easy-comfort-meals/