This easy Parmesan Orzo Side Dish is my favorite pasta side. It’s quick and easy to make, so creamy, and absolutely delicious.
Looking for more easy sides? You might also like my Apple Stuffing for Two, Parmesan and Panko Broccoli, and Potato Gratin for Two.
You know those times when you’re putting together a plate, and you have your protein, lots of yummy veggies (maybe in the form or some super amazing Butter and Garlic Green Beans) and then just a big boring white space where your carbs should be?
You could dig out your rice cooker and add some rice, or throw on a couple slices of bread, but if you want something a little extra special, I recommend today’s recipe, my very favorite Easy Parmesan Orzo Side Dish.
Folks, I love this recipe SO much. It’s basically the perfect pasta side, because it’s quick and easy to make, tastes fab, and is sooooooo creamy and cheesy. You can serve it alongside anything, chicken, beef, pork, a nice tofu steak (okay I don’t actually know about that last one, but I’m sure it would be great too).
To make it, all you need is about 15 minutes, one pot, some orzo, butter, cream or milk, Parmesan, and a little salt and pepper. That’s it. Then you cook your pasta, drain it, stir in the butter and then throw the rest of the ingredients at it. Then try to actually get it to your plates and not just eat giant spoonfuls of it from the pot under the guise of taste testing… 😉
As written, this Parmesan Orzo Side Dish recipe serves 2 to 3. To change the recipe yield, hover over the number of servings (or click if you are on mobile) and slide the slider–no preparation changes are necessary for doubling.
My Favorite Easy Parmesan Orzo Side Dish
Ingredients
- 4 ounces (2/3 cup) orzo
- 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
- 2 tablespoons cream or milk
- 1/4 cup (1oz) shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook orzo according to package instructions.
- Drain and add butter. Stir butter into the pasta until melted and add cream (or milk) and cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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