Easy One Pot Parmesan & Peas Orzo
Parmesan and Peas Orzo Recipe – Incredibly Delicious and Creamy Orzo with Little peas and Gooey Parmesan Cheese!
Orzo+ Parmesan+ Peas= An Unforgettable Side Dish!
This Bright Parmesan and Peas Orzo is an easy peasy recipe; it comes together in less than 25 minutes, it’s prepared in one pot making it super easy on the clean-up. You’re just going to simmer some Orzo in chicken broth with some seasonings, then add in some bright, sweet peas and Parmesan cheese. It’s easy, simple, creamy, and super flavorful.
If you’re not sure whether you want to eat rice or pasta, make this easy and scrumptious Parmesan and Peas Orzo recipe. It makes the best healthy homemade comfort food for holiday dinners, cozy family weekend meals or a satisfying on the go meal. It’s a hearty, bright, and flavorful meatless side dish!
Ingredients Needed:
1.5 cup orzo (dry)
1.5 cup frozen peas (thawed)
¾ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 small onion (diced)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Dried garlic
3 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan set over medium heat. Add in the garlic and the minced onion and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until translucent.
Add uncooked orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat, and let it boil for about 8 to 10 minutes or until it’s tender or cooked to your liking. (You can also check the back of the Orzo package for the required cooking time).
Take off the lid to add the peas and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until your peas are cooked and the cheese is melted. Remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside to rest for a couple minutes before serving.
Top with more Parmesan cheese or some freshly chopped parsley (optional).
Creamy Orzo with Parmesan & Peas Recipe – A Tasty and Nourishing Vegetarian Entrée or Side Dish!
This is one of the recipes I like to prep ahead whenever I’m on a diet. In a glass meal prep container, I add in a spoonful of Orzo, which I pair with some veggies and a protein of choice. It makes a great, filling, tasty and exciting meal to reward your tummy after a long intensive workout.
Helpful Tips and Variations:
Which Orzo is best to use? You can either use regular or whole grain Orzo. You can also use gluten free Orzo if you prefer.
Can I use Rice instead of Orzo? you can replace orzo with rice or even risotto despite its difference.
How to avoid a runny or sticky dish? To make sure your Orzo is cooked perfectly, you should stick to using the exact measurement of liquid and pasta.
Frozen or Canned peas? If it’s spring, you can get some fresh peas, otherwise you can either get frozen or canned peas. I prefer to use frozen peas for this recipe, they’re always available and they’re easier to cook with.
What about a different vegetable? If you’re not a fan of peas, you can use some baby spinach, chopped broccoli, corn, carrots or any other veggie of your choice. For a different modification, you can add some sautéed mushrooms with a splash of lemon juice.
Can I add protein to this recipe? Sure! For a complete meal, you can add any protein you prefer. I personally love adding garlic shrimp, the flavors pair perfectly with the cheesy Orzo. You can also add some ham, chicken, bacon, tuna or vegetarian meatballs or beef meatballs. You can even throw in some leftover roasted chicken.
Can I add some heavy cream? This Orzo recipe is creamy enough as it is, I prefer to keep it a bit light by only using Parmesan cheese, but you can definitely add in some heavy cream, coconut milk, cream cheese, or half and half for a creamier texture.
How to store leftovers? You can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Add a splash of water or chicken broth before reheating the dish.
How can I serve this Creamy Orzo with Parmesan & Peas?
You can serve this Parmesan and Peas Orzo as a main dish as it is or by adding some veggies or protein to your dish. This recipe is extremely versatile and it pairs well with everything; serve with any dish and at any meal of the day, it’s totally delicious.
Easy One Pot Parmesan & Peas Orzo
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup orzo dry
- 1.5 cup frozen peas thawed
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan set over medium heat. Add in the garlic and the minced onion and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until translucent.
- Add uncooked orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat, and let it boil for about 8 to 10 minutes or until it’s tender or cooked to your liking. (You can also check the back of the Orzo package for the required cooking time).
- Take off the lid to add the peas and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until your peas are cooked and the cheese is melted. Remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside to rest for a couple minutes before serving.
- Top with more Parmesan cheese or some freshly chopped parsley (optional).
