Description
This creamy orzo pasta dish is a comforting meal featuring peas and Parmesan, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 quart reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 16 ounces orzo pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Juice and zest from ½ lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet or medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion and salt, and stir to coat. Cook for 4 minutes.
- Add the broth and water, cover, and bring to a simmer.
- Add the orzo and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the liquid is almost absorbed and the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the Parmesan, cream, butter, and peas and lemon juice and zest, if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- This dish is best served immediately while warm.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg