This easy Parmesan orzo pasta can be made in just 15 minutes! It’s a perfect side dish and you only need a handful of pantry staples to prepare it!
I’ve been trying to brainstorm new side dish recipes and this one might be a new favorite because it’s so quick and easy! This parmesan orzo almost reminded me a little bit of risotto, except that it was so much easier.
How to Cook Orzo Pasta
To be totally honest, the first time I picked up a package of orzo pasta, I thought it was going to be complicated to prepare. But it’s just as simple as any other pasta shape!
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
- Add the Orzo pasta
- Stir and reduce heat. Cook for 7-9 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and serve!
Is Orzo Pasta Gluten Free?
Traditionally, orzo pasta contains gluten. However, DeLallo makes a gluten-free version out of corn and rice, which you can substitute in this recipe if needed. They also make a whole wheat version, which contains more protein and fiber than refined orzo. That can be a great healthier option!
Parmesan Orzo Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package directions, typically 8-9 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, then add in the olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and salt.
- Sprinkle with red pepper and serve warm.
Keywords: parmesan orzo pasta
We had this with a very simple version of this warm kale salad, plus a few cherry tomatoes. It was an easy way to transform a random assortment of leftover veggies and pasta into a complete meal!
Did you try anything new over the weekend?
This post was originally published in May 2014. Updated January 2019.
ooh that looks tasty! i didn’t try anything new, but had a good weekend!
Hmm nothing new for me over the weekend but lately I consider buying a different grain like bulgur or barley or something I can’t even think of a name of but see at Trader Joe’s all the time lol.
Kombucha on tap? So cool!
I know, right?! It was so good!
Parmesan pasta?! You must have read my mind or looked into my fridge because I still have some parmesan lying around and this dish sounds great. I like how you kept it simple but still flavourful with the herbs.
Actually, yes, I did try something new this weekend food-wise, too, and – like for you – it wasn’t an unusual ingredient. Or not unusual for any US blogger but around here and for me, it was: tortillas. We can find all of one [no typo!] variety:´plain white. Unless you’d want to count the about two other varieties containing a tiny sprinkle of flaxseed but at the same time laden with nasty ingredients [mmh, E numbers and whatever else. Not.]. Anyway, I got creative – I’d been in a bit of a rut, too – and came up with two new casseroles featuring them.
Trying something new is a great way to get out of a cooking rut! I have never tried orzo before – this looks wonderful!!
That looks great! Orzo is my absolute favorite pasta.
And I’ve never cooked an artichoke before. I bought one over the weekend, but I’m still intimidated by it.
Oh man, I tried to cook one in college and it was quite the challenge! Good luck!! 🙂
Hope that your cold is getting better! <3
Orzo is actually something that Ive been really looking into trying!! I get stuck in such a rut sometimes and forget about all the other options out there. Im thinking my hubby would LOVE this dish!
I’m so glad your life is simmering down. I can only imagine how busy you have been lately. I haven’t tried anything new in ages. I should really work on that.
This looks delicious. I used to make something similar growing up with white rice. I loved rice, cheese, and garlic salt.
Andrew and I tried a new mountain bike trail this weekend – the trail across from the Pump House. Dogwood Dell Trail I think is the name. It’s a simple 1 mile loop but filled with small hills and super fun downhills.
Oh cool! That sounds fun. I need to get a bike!
Orzo makes me sad, because it was literally one of my favorites! It is definitely having an ID crisis though because it’s not sure if it’s pasta or if it’s rice! LOL!
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Hahaha I KNOW! I literally had to look it up to see if it was pasta or rice, haha
Looks easy enough! I’ve never cooked Orzo before too, now you got me interested to try! Thanks for a great post! xo
Best,
Brittany
http://www.Soultiply.com
Im trying to remember if I’ve ever cooked orzo before…I think I have! Regardless, I love the thicker texture of it. This recipe looks delish!
I am mildly obsessed with Church Hill these days, definitely need to check out Union Market soon! We gave Foo Dog a try over the weekend, and as much as I didn’t want to buy into the “hype” I have to say the Malaysian ramen bowl and shrimp skewers we had were really pretty tasty. Plus – such a fun space! Love me some orzo pasta, I make various spins on pasta salad during summer using orzo and pesto w/ veggies because it’s hearty enough to hold up a few days in the fridge. Yummy!
I definitely love venturing out around the area on weekends, especially for brunches. There’s a lot of great places in Northern Virginia so loving it! I’m loving the tap kombucha! Brilliant. Happy Monday Liz! -Iva
I had cupcakes made with ricotta this weekend! That was definitely new to me 🙂 This orzo sounds amazing. Anything with pasta is my favorite!
i’ve been in quite the food rut too – maybe it has something to do with winter? we hunker down and take comfort in old favorites? but this ‘buy new ingredients’ seems like a fun way to get me back in the kitchen and experimenting once again 🙂
No nothing new tried this weekend 😉
This pasta looks great! I’ve never made orzo pasta before but I really should give it a try. I also need to try Kombucha, can you believe I’ve never had it?
You know my favorite thing about all your recipe? How simple and few ingredients they use! I see so many other recipes that have an ingredient list the length of a textbook.. but yours – NOPE! Thanks for sharing, Liz 🙂
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Oh yum! That looks so good! We may have to try this soon!
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