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This 4 Ingredient Cheesy Orzo Recipe is simple to make, pairs wonderfully as a side dish to your weekly dinners and is comforting. Orzo pasta is cooked and mixed with freshly grated parmesan cheese and your favorite fresh herbs to create a creamy, cheesy side dish.
Orzo is one of my favorite little pastas to use in recipes. I often make this Summer Orzo Pasta Salad, Greek Orzo Pasta Salad and this Tomato Feta Orzo Salad.
I knew I had to share this recipe with you guys because it is so simple, uses only 4 ingredients and is popular with the kids too.
The leftovers reheat well too so if you make a big batch you can save some for later.
I boil my orzo pasta in either vegetable or chicken broth when making this 4 Ingredient Cheesy Orzo Recipe to add flavor to the dish and pasta but you could also use water in place of the broth. Once you cook the orzo pasta you will add the cheese, salt and pepper and fresh herbs, stir and enjoy.
Recipe Ingredients
You will love this easy recipe and the simple ingredients. It is one of my favorite recipes!
- Orzo: this recipe uses orzo. For a lighter version you can use whole wheat orzo.
- Broth: if you have broth on hand I suggest cooking the orzo in broth if you can. This adds flavor but you can always use water instead if you don’t have broth.
- Cheese: the part of this recipe that makes it cheesy.
- Parsley: fresh parsley is a great finishing touch. You can also use fresh oregano or fresh basil.
How to Make This Cheesy Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Cook Orzo: In a large pot boil the vegetable broth, add the orzo, cover and reduce heat to simmer for 12-14 minutes {or until the pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed}, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Stir in Cheese: Remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and the freshly chopped parsley {or herb of your choice}. Serve warm.
Storage Tips
Store the leftover orzo in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can reheat the orzo in the microwave or a skillet.
More Orzo Recipes
Vegetarian
One Pot Creamy Tomato Herb Orzo
Salads
Arugula Orzo Salad
Chicken
Lemon Chicken Orzo
Salads
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad
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4 Ingredient Cheesy Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta , {you can use gluten-free or whole wheat orzo}
- 16 ounces of vegetable broth , {or chicken broth}
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Dash of salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley , freshly chopped {or your favorite fresh herb}
Instructions
- In a large pot boil the vegetable broth, add the orzo, cover and reduce heat to simmer for 12-14 minutes {or until the pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed}, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and the freshly chopped parsley {or herb of your choice}.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Other herbs that would be good in this dish would be basil, Italian parsley, cilantro, thyme, rosemary and more.
- You could try other freshly grated cheeses in place of the parmesan like gouda, share cheddar, mozzarella or even smoked mozzarella.
- Try adding some cooked vegetables into this dish like cooked peas, carrots or broccoli.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Julia Thank you so much for recommending my Smoked Sausage and Cheesy Orzo recipe here on your blog! Your blog is simply lovely! I will be back often! Thank you!
Mouthwatering recipe!! It looks so yummy. I will definitely try it tonight. Thanks Julia for sharing this post 🙂
Thanks! Hope you like it.
This orzo is just the right amount of cheese and pasta I need in my life…yum!
Yes! Me too–so much cheesy goodness. 🙂
I love this, I’m always looking for quick and easy side dishes and this one definitely looks like a keeper!
I absolutely adore orzo, especially with cheese!! Your whole dinner sounds perfect!
Ohmygosh! Your NYE meal sounds amazing! What a great celebration! I love orzo and I love that you boil this in stock – excellent idea! Hope 2016 is off to a great start for you!
I’ve trialed orzo in restaurants but never thought to make it at home! So easy and I love your flavorful cooking method.
It’s amazing how something so simple can taste so great! I love orzo…and this is hitting all my tastebuds right now!
This looks so yummy! I love orzo and any and all cheese and I have everything to make this 🙂 Pinning!
Thanks Medha! I love orzo too–one of my favorite pastas. I hope you try it and like it. 🙂