Description
A quick, budget-friendly one-pot pasta dish that uses pantry staples to create a rich, creamy sauce without heavy cream splitting. Ready in just 20 minutes, this kid-approved meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) orzo pasta
- 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups (360ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted and foaming, add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden, but not brown.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and stir for 2 minutes to toast the pasta slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until the orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper over the pasta.
- Stir vigorously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is glossy and creamy. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
Notes
Remove the pan from the heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. Do not rinse the pasta; the starch helps thicken the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add warm broth or water. This dish does not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan orzo, budget family meal, one pot pasta, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, kid approved pasta, easy recipes