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Garlic Butter One Pan Orzo

Garlic Butter One Pan Orzo
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Garlic Butter One Pan Orzo is a quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This comforting dish combines simple ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy evenings, it’s versatile, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Core Ingredients

  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 3 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley or herbs, chopped

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add freshly minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. This releases the rich aromas that form the dish’s base flavor.
  2. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and stir it around with the garlic butter, toasting it lightly. This step deepens the flavor with a subtle nutty undertone.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and increase the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking, until tender and most of the broth is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. This adds creamy richness and a fresh herbal balance to the buttery pasta.
  5. Optional Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, to brighten the dish without overpowering the garlic butter flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly minced garlic for the best vibrant flavor.
  • Toasting the orzo intensifies the flavor and prevents mushiness.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to ensure even cooking and avoid sticking.
  • Reserve some broth to adjust the texture if the orzo absorbs too quickly.
  • Add Parmesan cheese off heat to avoid clumping or oil separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter orzo, one pan pasta, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, creamy orzo, simple pasta dish

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/garlic-butter-one-pan-orzo/