Parmesan Orzo and Peas is an easy side dish to pair with your favorite protein for a complete meal. Orzo and sweet peas are coated in a light parmesan sauce with onions and garlic. Made in just twenty minutes in a single pan.
Creamy orzo and sweet peas are the perfect pairing in this easy side dish recipe. A creamy and light parmesan sauce is flavored with onions, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pair this side dish with your favorite protein, like Crispy Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders. Or, toss in some diced ham for a complete meal.
Chicken broth is used to cook the orzo, which adds tons of flavor without a long list of extra ingredients.
Ingredients and substitutions
Any type of dried pasta can be used in this recipe. Think about the size of your other ingredients (peas and diced onions) and choose a pasta accordingly.
For this recipe, any small salad pasta would be a good choice.
Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth or beef broth.
Optionally, Italian seasoning can be added for more flavor.
Liquid and pasta proportions
The most important part about this recipe is measuring your pasta and liquid ingredients exactly.
Because your pasta is cooked in the same pan as the rest of your ingredients, it is important to use the exact amount of liquid needed to cook that pasta.
If too much liquid is added, you'll be left with a runny sauce. If too little liquid is added, your pasta and other ingredients will get dry, stick to the bottom of the pan, and potentially burn.
I have written this recipe with exactly enough liquid to cook the pasta. There should be just enough liquid left over to create a creamy sauce with the starch released from the pasta.
What to serve with orzo and peas
Try serving your orzo and peas alongside grilled or pan-fried chicken breasts, honey-baked ham, meatloaf, rotisserie chicken, or steak. More ideas:
- Crispy Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
- Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Pan-Seared Ribeye with Garlic Butter
- Skillet Flank Steak with Garlic Butter
Parmesan Orzo and Peas
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo dry
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas thawed
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add uncooked orzo, chicken broth, salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and orzo is al dente (check your pasta's package directions for exact cooking times).
- Over low heat, add peas and Parmesan cheese. Stir for about a minute, or until cheese is melted. Remove from heat and allow to set for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable or beef broth.
- It is important to accurately measure your pasta and broth, as the entire dish is cooked in a single pot. Most of the liquid should be absorbed by the pasta as it cooks.
- Your pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it stands - if your sauce looks runny, allow to set for 5 minutes.
- Dish is best served immediately, as leftovers will be much less creamy than when served fresh.
Mimi
My sister made this for me with trout and then I made in for my adult children with chicken piccata. It is absolutely delicious! Tonight I made it with fish and added fresh mushrooms to the onion sauté! Yum! This is a great recipe. The only addition to all three preparations was a nice squeeze of lemon. Excellent recipe!
Rebecca Rempert
I made this recipe tonight to have with grilled steak. We really thought the recipe was fabulous. Next time we’re going to add mushrooms. Made in rice cooker.
Tammy
Heather, I agree with Paula. I've made this recipe several times and it is absolutely awesome. Thanks so much for sharing.
patti
I thought it was delicious and easy! Thank you!!! My family loved it!
Tammy
Could I use long grain rice with the same proportions of the other ingredients?
Heather
Hi Tammy, I haven't tried this recipe with rice, but I bet it would be very similar! As long as you follow the cooking directions for the rice (it will take longer to cook) and keep an eye on the liquid in the pan (add more as needed), it should work just fine.
Paula
Despite all the naysayer's comments, I decided to try this recipe and it was amazing! My family loved it. Thanks for a great side dish.
Karen
This turned out rather poorly. The orzo was pasty to say the least. Next time. Cook pasta according to directions. Sauté veggies and add.
Sheena
Maybe some Italian herb mix will help.
Will try this today
Heather
Hi Sheena, since this is a mild recipe, I think Italian herbs would be a great addition!
Laurie
The recipe is too bland I think it needs more seasoning.
Heather
Hi Laurie! You're welcome to add more seasoning to taste. I cut back on the salt in this particular recipe due to the chicken broth and parmesan cheese, but more can be added if desired.