1. Cook the Orzo Pasta

Start by bringing 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water or broth to season the pasta as it cooks. Once the water is boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking together.

Orzo cooks quickly, so be sure to check it a minute or two before the recommended cooking time to ensure it’s not overcooked. You want the orzo to be al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and set it aside. Be sure to save about ½ cup of pasta water, as it will be used to help bring everything together later.

2. Prepare the Garlic and Butter

While the orzo is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.

Once the garlic is fragrant and golden, add the 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter has melted and is well combined with the olive oil and garlic. This creates the flavorful base for the Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta.

3. Combine the Orzo with Garlic and Butter

Once the garlic and butter mixture is ready, add the drained orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine the orzo with the garlic and butter, making sure the pasta is evenly coated. If the mixture looks a bit dry, you can add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the orzo is perfectly coated and creamy.

The pasta water helps to bind the ingredients together, making the dish creamier without needing to add any cream. Stir the orzo for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce.

4. Add the Parmesan Cheese

Once the orzo is fully combined with the garlic and butter, it’s time to add the Parmesan cheese. Add the freshly grated Parmesan to the skillet, stirring to combine. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy coating on the orzo.

If the dish seems too thick, add a bit more pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in the Parmesan until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta is fully coated in the garlic butter and Parmesan, remove it from the heat. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. The parsley will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.

Serve the orzo immediately as a side dish to your favorite main course. This dish pairs well with everything from grilled chicken and seafood to roasted vegetables and steak. It’s the perfect complement to a variety of meals and is sure to become a go-to side dish in your kitchen.