Cheesy Orzo Pilaf

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and irresistible Cheesy Orzo Pilaf. Featuring tender, toasted orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful broth and lavishly coated in a decadent blend of Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Sautéed onions and garlic provide a savory base, while a splash of heavy cream adds extra richness. Finished with fresh parsley for a bright, herby touch, this quick and easy recipe is perfect as a show-stopping side dish or a satisfying light meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a one-pot wonder that will elevate your dinner table with each melty, buttery bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 small Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.25 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Melt the butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat in the butter and oil. Toast the orzo for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and aromatic.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 6

Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese until the cheeses are completely melted and the mixture is creamy.

Step 7

Season the orzo with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(945.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1689.1

Total Fat 92.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 222.5mg	0%
Sodium 3974.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 161.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.1g	0%
Total Sugars 6.9g
Protein 59.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 947.6mg	0%
Iron 8.3mg	0%
Potassium 260.6mg	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: 48.5%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 37.6%