Orzo Risotto Style Parmesan (Print)

Silky orzo with Parmesan and aromatic broth for a comforting, Italian-inspired main.

# Components:

→ Pasta & Grains

01 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

04 - 4 cups vegetable broth, kept warm
05 - 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Dairy

07 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
03 - Add orzo pasta to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat with olive oil and aromatics. Toast for 2 minutes.
04 - Pour in the dry white wine and cook, stirring, until most of the liquid evaporates.
05 - Add warm vegetable broth one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the orzo to absorb nearly all the liquid before adding more. Continue this process until the orzo is tender and the mixture is creamy, about 15 to 18 minutes.
06 - Remove pan from the heat. Stir in unsalted butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and the orzo is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
07 - Plate immediately and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a creamy, soul-warming dish that comes together without the constant attention risotto usually demands.
  • You can easily riff on it by tossing in whatever veggies or flavors you have on hand.
02 -
  • If you stop stirring for too long, the orzo can stick to the pan—I learned this after a stubborn layer wouldn't budge.
  • Warming your broth before adding it makes the orzo cook evenly, instead of shocking it and slowing everything down.
03 -
  • Letting the orzo toast before adding liquid gives a deep, nutty flavor that sets this apart.
  • Add the cheese off the heat to prevent it from clumping.
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