Orzo with Saffron and Romano Cheese

Elevate your dinner table with this exquisite Orzo with Saffron and Romano Cheese—a dish that combines rich, aromatic flavors with creamy indulgence for a truly satisfying bite. Perfectly cooked orzo pasta is gently toasted for nutty undertones before simmering in savory chicken broth, infused with the golden luxury of saffron threads. The dish is brought to life with a velvety sauce of Romano cheese and heavy cream, delivering a bold and tangy finish that lingers on the palate. A touch of freshly ground black pepper and optional parsley garnish adds a fresh contrast to the creamy texture, making this an elegant yet approachable meal for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or indulging in a cozy night at home, this quick 30-minute recipe is sure to impress. Ideal for fans of comforting pasta dishes with sophisticated flair, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of saffron and cheese-centric creations!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
• 3 cups Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 small Yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons Saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons Hot water
• 0.75 cups Romano cheese, grated
• 0.25 cups Heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, steep the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Set aside for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.

Step 3

Add the finely diced onion to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 5

Pour the orzo into the pan and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is lightly golden and aromatic.

Step 6

Carefully add the chicken broth to the pan and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the orzo simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the pasta is tender.

Step 7

Stir in the saffron water (including the threads) and mix well to distribute the color and flavor evenly.

Step 8

Lower the heat to low and add the grated Romano cheese, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of additional broth or water to loosen it.

Step 10

Remove the pan from heat and allow the orzo to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1447.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2414.9

Total Fat 118.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 64.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 300.6mg	0%
Sodium 6830.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 240.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.4g	0%
Total Sugars 11.3g
Protein 97.6g	0%

Vitamin D 71.4IU	0%
Calcium 1918.6mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 694.0mg	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: 44.1%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 39.8%