This Creamy Orzo Pasta is a luxurious and cheesy dish that’s ready in 15 minutes. It’s a quick and comforting one-pan recipe you can enjoy as an appetizer, side dish, or main.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time20 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword: 20 minute recipe, appetizer, dinner, easy, easy appetizer, easy dinner, easy meal, one sheet pan meal, pasta, side dish, sides, weeknight dinner
Heat a shallow pan on medium-low heat. Add avocado oil and shallots. Cook for 2 minutes.
Add orzo pasta and toast for five minutes. Moving the orzo around not to burn. Add stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes (uncovered), stirring fairly often.
Add butter and heavy cream and continue to cook the orzo until soft, about 3-5 more minutes. Stirring often. Taste the orzo to check for doneness.
Remove from heat, add lemon zest, lemon juice, parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Mix well to combine. Enjoy with your favorite protein.
Notes
Since every stove and pot can vary, use your best judgement when making this pasta. If it looks like the liquid is running out before the pasta is cooked, add a little more broth in (a half cup or so at a time). If you still have too much liquid, just let it sit for a little longer and the orzo will absorb it. You want a creamy texture of the pasta.