Orzo Pasta with butter and herbs makes a quick and delicious side dish. Orzo is a rice shaped pasta and is perfect for a quick side dish. This orzo is finished with shredded Parmesan cheese.
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! 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. Another great recipe using orzo is this Asparagus Salad.
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.
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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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
This post was originally published in October, 2015. The pictures and text have been updated.
Orzo Pasta, Side Dish
Ingredients
- 8 oz orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (dried herbs)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Drain and place in a serving bowl.
- Add butter. Stir until melted.
- Sprinkle garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Stir.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, reserving a Tablespoon to sprinkle on top.
- Serve.
Nutrition
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!