Orzo Pasta, Side Dish

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Orzo Pasta with butter and herbs makes a quick and delicious side dish.

This post was originally published in October, 2015. The pictures and text have been updated.

These past couple of weeks have been crazy busy in our household; school, work, soccer practice, games, cheerleader practice, football games, soccer tournaments… Sometimes we rush home and getting dinner on the table is an urgent affair.  

The kids are starving and want dinner…NOW!  Fast, easy and homemade can be hard to achieve.  This Orzo Pasta is one of our favorites.  It’s super fast and easy and everyone loves it.

What is orzo pasta?

Orzo pasta is a small, rice shaped pasta.  Because it’s so small, it cooks relatively fast.  Use a very fine strainer when draining so the pasta doesn’t slip through the holes.

How long do you cook orzo pasta?

Orzo cooks in 7-10  minutes. You cook orzo just like you would any type of pasta. Make certain your water is boiling before adding the orzo. 

What ingredients do I need to make this side dish?

• Orzo
• Butter
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic salt
• Italian Seasoning herb blend – dried found in the spice isle

Can I use other herbs?

Yes, you can use different herbs than the Italian seasoning blend.  Some options include:

• Dried or fresh basil
• Dried or fresh thyme
• Dried or fresh parsley

What is a great main dish to serve with orzo?

You can serve this dish with just about anything. Some of my favorites are Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken and Beer Can Chicken. It’s also perfect with Pan Fried Walleye.

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Orzo Pasta, Side Dish

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

Quick and easy side dish.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy orzo, orzo pasta, orzo with herbs, parmesan orzo

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 190 kcal

Author: Kathy

Ingredients

• 8 oz orzo pasta uncooked
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend dried herbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain and place in a serving bowl.
3. Add butter. Stir until melted.
4. Sprinkle garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Stir.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, reserving a Tablespoon to sprinkle on top.
6. Serve.

Nutrition Facts

Orzo Pasta, Side Dish

Amount Per Serving

Calories 190 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 12mg4%

Sodium 199mg9%

Potassium 84mg2%

Carbohydrates 28g9%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 150IU3%

Calcium 57mg6%

Iron 0.6mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.