Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese Orzo

Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese Orzo—a gourmet dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive side. This recipe combines tender orzo pasta with sweet, golden caramelized onions, creamy heavy cream, and tangy blue cheese crumbles for the ultimate comfort food experience. Fresh thyme and garlic add layers of aromatic depth, while a touch of parsley offers a fresh, vibrant finish. Easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, this dish strikes a harmonious balance between creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Serve it alongside roasted meats or enjoy it as a decadent vegetarian entrée—either way, it's bound to become a new favorite! Ideal for fans of bold flavors and elegant comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 medium Yellow onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cups Vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 0.25 cup Heavy cream
• 0.33 cup Blue cheese crumbles
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Peel and thinly slice the onions into half-moons. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the sliced onions to the skillet with a pinch of salt. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. Lower the heat if they begin to brown too quickly.

Step 4

Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and thyme leaves. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. Remove the onion mixture from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth but leave a small amount (about 2-3 tablespoons) for a creamy consistency. Return the orzo to the saucepan.

Step 7

Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, heavy cream, and blue cheese crumbles. Mix until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.

Step 8

Fold the caramelized onion mixture into the orzo. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1054.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1505.2

Total Fat 72.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 148.6mg	0%
Sodium 4784.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 179.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.3g	0%
Total Sugars 16.4g
Protein 37.3g	0%

Vitamin D 5.2IU	0%
Calcium 327.1mg	0%
Iron 8.9mg	0%
Potassium 779.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.0%

Protein: 9.8%

Carbs: 47.1%