Easy Parmesan Orzo Pasta
This creamy 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.
What is Orzo?
Orzo is a type of pasta. It’s small, meaning it cooks quickly. It’s shaped like a large grain of rice. It typically takes 6-8 minutes to cook, which makes it perfect for a quick side dish! You can typically find orzo in the past section at the grocery store. You can also get whole wheat orzo pasta, but it may be a bit harder to find.
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! You can even make orzo in a rice cooker, although I think it’s easiest to make it on the stovetop.
- 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!
How long do you cook orzo?
Once it’s added to boiling water, this short pasta is typically cooked after 7-9 minutes. Like most pasta, you can cook it until al dente or you can continue to cook it for a minute or two if you like a softer texture. Orzo can be cooked in water or broth. Cooking it in broth can be a good way to infuse the orzo with additional flavor.
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! Banza makes chickpea “rice” which is actually pretty similar to orzo pasta, but it’s made from chickpeas. It works really well in this recipe!
Best Brands of Orzo Pasta
I love Delallo or De Cecco brands, but Barilla also makes a great orzo pasta. As I mentioned, if you need gluten-free orzo, check out Delallo’s gluten-free option. You can find orzo in the pasta section of the grocery store, but you may also see it in the rice section. It typically costs between $2-$3 dollars per pound.
Is Orzo Good For You?
Orzo is just like any other pasta! It’s made with refined flour, so it doesn’t have a lot of nutrients, but you can still enjoy it in moderation. This recipe has a boost of protein from the Parmesan cheese, and you can pair it with your favorite vegetables. Unfortunately, it is hard to find whole wheat versions of orzo. But if you’re looking for an option with more protein and fiber, definitely check out Banza‘s “chickpea rice”.
Parmesan Orzo Pasta Ingredients
- Orzo pasta– Obviously, the orzo is the base of this dish, but you could substitute it with a different small pasta, if you prefer.
- Olive oil– A little olive oil helps create a creamy texture.
- Garlic powder– I like using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, because it’s a little milder in flavor.
- Parmesan cheese– The Parmesan cheese makes this dish super creamy and cheesy. You could substitute Pecorino Romano instead.
- Salt– Don’t skimp on the salt! That helps enhance the flavor.
Substitution Ideas
- As I mentioned, you can substitute gluten-free pasta, if needed.
- If you don’t like things spicy, try using chopped basil instead of crushed red pepper.
- You can substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder if you prefer, but keep in mind that raw garlic can have a bit of a bite to it. That’s why I prefer garlic powder in this recipe.
Parmesan Orzo Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Pasta
Description
This creamy 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!
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon 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.
What to Serve with Parmesan Orzo Pasta
We enjoyed this pasta with a side of this warm kale salad, plus a few cherry tomatoes. But you could also serve this recipe with this Chopped Mediterranean Salad for a complete meal! It would also be delicious with this delicious lentil soup.
More Orzo Pasta Recipes
- Looking for other ways to use orzo pasta? Try this Orzo and Feta salad recipe!
- Or try a bowl of this Orzo Vegetable Soup! It’s loaded with so many tasty vegetables.
- I’ve also put together a huge list of orzo recipes from soups to salads!
This post was originally published in May 2014. Updated January 2019.
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!
This looks delicious. I used to make something similar growing up with white rice. I loved rice, cheese, and garlic salt.
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.
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!
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!! 🙂
Trying something new is a great way to get out of a cooking rut! I have never tried orzo before – this looks wonderful!!
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.
Kombucha on tap? So cool!
I know, right?! It was so good!
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.
ooh that looks tasty! i didn’t try anything new, but had a good weekend!