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.
Ways to serve
Ways to serveTry 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 uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 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. Then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add uncooked orzo, chicken broth, salt, 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 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
- This is a mild, lightly seasoned dish. For more flavor, I suggest adding ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable or beef broth.
- 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.
The recipe is too bland I think it needs more seasoning.
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.
Maybe some Italian herb mix will help.
Will try this today
Hi Sheena, since this is a mild recipe, I think Italian herbs would be a great addition!
This turned out rather poorly. The orzo was pasty to say the least. Next time. Cook pasta according to directions. Sauté veggies and add.
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.