Orzo With Garlic
Orzo with garlic is a flavorful, comforting pasta dish featuring tender orzo infused with garlic and fresh parsley, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil and add salt.
- Add orzo and cook, stirring about 10 minutes or until tender.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking liquid.
- Drain orzo.
- Meanwhile, heat oil and butter in a saucepan.
- Add chopped garlic and cook, do not brown.
- Add orzo, reserved liquid, parsley, Parmesan, and season with salt.
- Toss well and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the orzo. If you want to enhance the dish further, try incorporating some sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes. If you don't have oleo, you can substitute it with butter or margarine. Fresh parsley can be replaced with basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This orzo with garlic makes a delightful side dish for grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh salad, like a Mediterranean salad, or serve alongside roasted vegetables. It also complements dishes such as Cheese Stuffed Zucchini beautifully, enhancing your vegetarian dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the orzo in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This will help restore some moisture to the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orzo With Garlic contains roughly 637 calories, with 7g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 668mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole grain orzo for this recipe?
Yes, whole grain orzo can be used as a healthier alternative in this recipe. However, it may require a slightly longer cooking time, so check the package instructions for the best results.
What can I do if I don't have fresh parsley?
If fresh parsley is unavailable, you can use dried parsley instead, though the flavor will be less vibrant. About one tablespoon of dried parsley should suffice as a substitute for four tablespoons of fresh.
Is it possible to add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to boost the protein content of this orzo dish. This makes it a more filling meal and pairs well with the flavors of garlic and Parmesan.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).