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.
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!