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Orzo Pasta with butter and herbs makes a quick and delicious side dish. This pasta is quick and easy to make and is finished with butter, herbs and parmesan cheese.
This delicious orzo side dish can be ready in just 15 minutes!
Parmesan orzo
This orzo pasta with butter, herbs, and parmesan cheese has been a staple in our house for as long as I can remember. The kids loved it when they were little and they still love it today.
One of the reasons we ate it so much, besides everyone loving it, was it's so fast and easy to make. On busy nights, it comes together quickly and no pre-planning is needed.
Orzo pasta is a small, rice-shaped pasta. Because of its small shape, it cooks quickly. Once it's cooked, you drain it and add the butter, herbs, and parmesan cheese. That's it! Dinner is ready!
This pasta is great hot, but leftovers are delicious too. You can simply reheat it or eat it cold! Perfect for throwing into your lunch box.
Another delicious version of this recipe is Creamy Orzo.
Parmesan Orzo Ingredients
- Orzo pasta - small rice-shaped pasta. Orzo is often found in a box in the pasta aisle.
- Butter - use salted butter
- Italian herbs - or use a mixture of dried basil, oregano and rosemary
- Garlic salt - the garlic salt adds extra flavor
- Parmesan cheese - Try to use freshly grated or shredded parmesan cheese.
How to make Parmesan Orzo
- Cook orzo until al dente or cooked to your liking
- Strain and and return to pan
- Add butter
- Stir in herbs and garlic salt
5. Add parmesan cheese
6. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and a bit of fresh parsley, if desired
Orzo Variations
- use dried or fresh basil, thyme or parsley
- use live oil instead of butter
- Add ½ cup of frozen peas when you add the butter
Garlic Parmesan Orzo Tips
- Taste orzo pasta to determine when it's cooked
- When straining orzo, use a small colander or sieve. The orzo can easily slip through large holes.
- Do not rinse pasta. Just add straight back into the pot and add the butter to help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator
What to serve with this Orzo Side Dish
You can serve this dish with just about anything. Some of my favorites are
How to store leftovers
Store any leftover orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Be certain to check out all my delicious pasta recipes!
Easy Orzo Side Dish
Equipment
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (dried herbs)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.8 oz orzo pasta
- Drain and place in a serving bowl.
- Add butter. Stir until melted.2 Tablespoons butter
- Sprinkle garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Stir.½ teaspoon garlic salt, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, reserving a Tablespoon to sprinkle on top.¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Serve.
Notes
- Do not rinse orzo pasta. Just add straight back into the pot and add the butter to help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in October 2015. The pictures and text have been updated.
MB says
Great alternative to rice. Delicious and simple and pairs well with just about anything.
Kathy says
Thanks! This was my kids' favorite when they were growing up! Although, they still love it now too!
Cookee says
IWonderful recipe will be making it as a regular side. We love anything PASTA!!
My only negative is I would not feed this to my children and husband as the only item served for dinner, other fast items need to be added for a healthy meal after a long day. A busy family and the elderly all need a good balanced meal with protein and veggies in healthy quantities each day. This pasta is a great carb to fill part of a healthy meal.
Thank you for your great recipes.
Kathy says
I'm glad you enjoyed this, but it is called a side dish. The name is Orzo Side Dish, the category is side dish and in all my images I have it served as a side dish. I'm sure some people can eat it as a main dish but no where did I say that this by itself is a good balanced meal...not certain why or where you thought that. 🙂
Kelly | Foodtasia says
Kathy, I love the simplicity of this dish. Orzo has such a wonderful chew. And the buttery herb topping is perfect!
Alix @A Hedgehog in the Kitchen says
This sounds and looks delicious! I love orzo pasta!
Kathy says
Me too! It's such a fast and easy dish and loved by everyone!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Orzo is one of my favorites Kathy, And I love what an easy side this is. Can't wait to add it to our menu!
Kathy says
Orzo is one of my favorites too!
Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes says
The perfect side dish! I love this orzo pasta - so good 🙂 Brilliant idea!!
Kathy says
Thank you! 🙂
Manali @ CookWithManali says
I love fast and easy recipes, this looks like a winner Kathy!!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
Kathy, you and I are on the same wave length - I've got an orzo salad coming up soon. I love how quick and easy this is - perfect side dish to whip up that's a crowd pleaser!
Kathy says
I can't wait to see your salad!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Wow! You guys really are busy! This orzo dish looks like the perfect solution to get dinner on the table fast!
Kathy says
We need a couple of quick go-to meals and sides to keep us going!
David @ Spiced says
This looks like such a fun and easy side dish. Perfect for those busy nights when you need to whip up something easy...and delicious! 🙂
Kathy says
Fast, easy and delicious is the way to go!
David @ Spiced says
I see that I loved this recipe a few years back! No surprise that I love it still. A good orzo salad is hard to beat, and the Parmesan cheese in this recipe sounds fantastic!
Kathy says
You've still got great taste, David! 😉
Laura says
Life is crazy busy these days! And here I am fussing with my Halloween costume. Oh well. Anyhow, I love this dish because you say you turn to it for your family again and again. Now that's a winner. I appreciate finding "the one" that great dish that the family will eat again and again. Will have to try!
Kathy says
I'm glad you take time for the fun things....like a Halloween costume!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I love orzo! I'm totally adoring how quick and easy yours is! Busy work week, comforting perfection! YUM!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
I love orzo pasta. And yours look absolutely divine, Kathy. Happy weekend! 🙂
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says
I need to try orzo before!! This looks delicious!