If you love comforting dishes that feel both indulgent and fresh, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe. With its tender, buttery orzo bathed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce and bright green peas adding a sweet pop, this dish is pure joy in every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet delivers layers of flavor and a silky texture that will quickly make it a trusted favorite for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component works together to create a perfect balance of creamy richness, subtle sweetness, and fresh herbal notes. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- Butter: Adds a rich, velvety base that helps toast the orzo and bring depth to the flavor.
- Orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the creamy goodness perfectly.
- Vegetable broth: Infuses the orzo with savory notes while it simmers, keeping the dish light yet flavorful.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky, indulgent texture that makes this dish irresistibly creamy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Peas: Fresh or frozen, they add a vibrant color and a sweet burst of freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that adds a final touch of herbal freshness.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Orzo
Start by melting a tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and fragrant, toss in the orzo pasta. Toasting it for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring frequently enhances its nutty flavor and ensures it cooks up perfectly al dente later on.
Step 2: Simmer the Orzo in Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything up to a gentle simmer. Let the orzo cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has tenderized and absorbed most of the liquid. This simmering step is key to infusing the pasta with savory broth flavor, making every bite rich and comforting.
Step 3: Stir in Cream, Parmesan, and Peas
Once the orzo is tender, it’s time to add that luscious creaminess. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and peas. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the peas are warmed through and the sauce thickens into a silky, dreamy consistency that clings to each bite of pasta.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Now that your Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe is nearly complete, season it with salt and freshly ground pepper to bring out all the delicious flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning until it feels just right for you.
Step 5: Garnish Before Serving
Finish the dish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This adds an inviting pop of color and a hint of brightness that complements the richness, making your meal look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond fresh parsley, you can elevate the presentation by adding a little extra grated Parmesan on top or a few twists of cracked black pepper. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a glossy finish also makes a wonderful touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even seared chicken breasts for a heartier meal. The creamy orzo works as a perfect, comforting side or a standalone vegetarian entrée.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this orzo in shallow bowls topped with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. For casual occasions, pack it into small ramekins and sprinkle with parmesan crumbs, then broil slightly for a crunchy crust variation. The options are endless when you want to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining most of its creamy texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Keep in mind the peas may lose some texture and the sauce might separate slightly upon thawing, so freezing is ideal only if you plan to reheat gently and stir well.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to bring back that silky consistency. Stir often to avoid sticking and restore the creamy texture that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely! Chicken broth will add a richer, deeper flavor, making the dish even more comforting. Just remember it might change the dish from vegetarian to non-vegetarian.
Are frozen peas okay to use?
Yes, frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe and are a great option when fresh peas aren’t in season. Just add them directly to the pot during the final step; they’ll thaw quickly.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Sure! You’ll need to substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy cream such as coconut or cashew cream, and swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor.
What type of orzo is best?
Standard semolina orzo is ideal here as it holds its shape well and cooks evenly. Avoid whole wheat orzo for this recipe if you want the creamiest texture.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in spinach, asparagus tips, or mushrooms along with the peas to customize this dish and add more color and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe, it will quickly become one of those dishes you turn to time and again. It’s effortless, comforting, and truly delivers on flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this orzo will bring smiles all around the table. Go ahead and whip it up—you’re going to love it!
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Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Parmesan orzo with peas is a comforting and flavorful one-pot dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender orzo pasta is cooked in vegetable broth, then enriched with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sweet peas, creating a luscious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
Dairy & Butter
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta & Grains
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
Liquids
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Toast Orzo: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly toast the pasta and enhance its flavor.
- Simmer Orzo in Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook the orzo for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cream, Cheese, and Peas: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and peas. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the peas are heated through and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Season: Taste and season the dish with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the orzo just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh or frozen peas work equally well; if using frozen, no need to thaw before adding.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost to make it a more complete meal.
- Ensure to stir frequently during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking to the pot.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
