I love making Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Orzo when I want something comforting and delicious. The combination of roasted garlic and creamy cheese makes this dish feel special and satisfying. It’s a perfect side or even a main dish!
Growing up, my dad James often made pasta for dinner. I remember my sister Jennifer and I eagerly waiting at the table while the wonderful smells filled the house. This recipe reminds me of those warm family moments.
Your Ingredients List
- 1 cup orzo pasta (small, rice-shaped)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting the garlic and adding richness)
- 1 head of garlic (roasted)
- 1 cup heavy cream (creates creamy texture)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds salty, nutty flavor)
- to taste salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- to garnish chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
My Go-To Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Baking foil
- Knife
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and wrap it in foil.
- Roast the garlic for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden.
- Cool the garlic and squeeze the cloves out of their skins.
- In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a gentle boil.
- Add orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but slightly firm.
- Drain excess broth, reserving some for thinning the sauce.
- Return cooked orzo to the saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in heavy cream and roasted garlic cloves, mashing garlic to distribute.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Gradually mix in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add reserved broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Transfer orzo to serving bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve warm.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
You can make this dish healthier by using whole grain orzo and part-skim cheese. You might also add in some veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients. These simple swaps keep the flavor delicious while boosting the health factor.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I love to serve Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Orzo with a side salad or grilled vegetables. It pairs well with chicken or fish, too. For a lovely finishing touch, you can sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. Enjoy it with a nice glass of white wine for a cozy dinner.
Getting It Just Right
To make sure the orzo is cooked perfectly, keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. Adjust the consistency with reserved broth as needed. Always taste and adjust seasoning according to your preferences.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess. This dish tastes just as good the next day, making it great for meal prep!
Enjoy Every Moment
Cooking should be a joy! Take your time and enjoy the process. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, savor every bite, and the memories that come with it.
A Few Common Questions
How do I make Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Orzo vegan?
You can make this dish vegan by replacing heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I use a different type of pasta for Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta types like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, and keep an eye on its texture.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick for Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Orzo?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a bit of the reserved vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and warm it up over low heat before serving.
Print
Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Orzo
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and delicious orzo dish with roasted garlic and creamy Parmesan, perfect as a side or main course.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 head of garlic, roasted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and wrap it in foil.
- Roast the garlic for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden.
- Cool the garlic and squeeze the cloves out of their skins.
- In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a gentle boil.
- Add orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but slightly firm.
- Drain excess broth, reserving some for thinning the sauce.
- Return cooked orzo to the saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in heavy cream and roasted garlic cloves, mashing garlic to distribute.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Gradually mix in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add reserved broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Transfer orzo to serving bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
For a healthier twist, use whole grain orzo and part-skim cheese, or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: orzo, garlic, creamy, Parmesan, Italian, pasta, comfort food, vegetarian