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!
Quick and easy side dish
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 needed.
Orzo pasta is a small, rice shaped pasta. Because of it's 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.
Key ingredients
- Orzo pasta
- Butter
- Italian herbs - or use a mixture of dried basil, oregano and rosemary
- Garlic salt
- Parmesan cheese
Step by step directions
- Cook orzo until al dente or cooked to your liking
- Strain and and return to pan
- Add butter
- Stir in herbs and garlic salt
- Add parmesan cheese
- Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and a bit of fresh parsley, if desired
Recipe 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
Variations
- Dried or fresh basil
- Dried or fresh thyme
- Dried or fresh parsley
- Olive oil instead of butter
- Omit parmesan cheese
Serving suggestions
You can serve this dish with just about anything. Some of my favorites are
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!
Orzo Pasta, Side Dish
Equipment
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
- 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
Nutrition
This post was originally published in October, 2015. The pictures and text have been updated.
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!