This Cheesy Orzo recipe is a simple recipe that is a solid favorite of the whole family. When it comes to comfort and flavor, the combination of orzo pasta with fresh basil and parmesan cheese is hard to pass up.

Upclose image of a white bowl full of cheesy orzo pasta and fresh basil garnish.

❤️ Why you'll love it

Simple ingredients: just a few simple ingredients combined with this rice-shaped pasta creates an incredibly flavorful side dish!

Fresh flavors: the fresh basil give this delicious side dish a pop of freshness.

Creamy comfort: a creamy parmesan orzo pasta is the best way to enjoy a bowl of comfort food!

🥘 Ingredients

Orzo: this is a rice-shaped pasta that you can find in the dried pasta section of the grocery store.

Unsalted butter

Vegetable broth

Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil

🔪 How to Make Cheesy Orzo Pasta

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter in until bubbly.
Add orzo and toast pasta until golden brown.
Carefully stir in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce to low heat and simmer pasta 15 minutes, until broth is absorbed and pasta is al dente.
Stir in parmesan cheese and chopped basil.

🥄 Equipment

Large skillet

Wooden spoon

Microplane zester

Cutting board

Sharp knife

🥫Storage

Refrigerate: store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Reheat: reheat in a microwave safe dish until warmed through.

A bowl of cooked rice shaped pasta with basil garnish.

📖 Variations

Cheesy Cream Sauce: for a creamy orzo recipe, add a dollop of softened cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.

Cheesy garlic orzo: add a few cloves of minced fresh garlic to the orzo pasta when it is being sautéed in the skillet

Herb variation: substitute fresh thyme or any of your favorite fresh herbs for the fresh basil.

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo: steamed chopped broccoli or fresh peas are a delicious addition to stir into this pasta dish.

Protein power: make this a main dish by adding your favorite cooked protein. Cooked chicken or shrimp are great choices.

Cheese variations: substitute asiago, mozzarella, cheddar, or colby jack cheese for the parmesan.

💭 Tips

Be sure to toast the orzo pasta in the skillet - its what gives it that delicious nutty flavor!

📚 More Easy Pasta Recipes

Orzo Chicken Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing is a great main dish pasta salad recipe.

Tamarind Tofu Cabbage Bowl is a bowlful of flavorful tofu and cabbage tossed with orzo pasta.

This Lemon Pepper Shrimp Scampi recipe is tossed with cooked orzo pasta for a toothsome bite!

Enjoy a side of this Cheesy Italian bread with your next bowl of pasta!

🍽 Serve with..

There are several different ways you can enjoy this cheesy side dish recipe, below just a few suggestions:

Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an inviting presentation.
Serve alongside a crisp, green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Pair with a glass of light-bodied white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the flavors.

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📖 Recipe