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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Parmesan Orzo and Peas

    Published: Jan 25, 2018 · Modified: Nov 20, 2022 by Heather · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 787 words. · About 4 minutes to read this article.

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    Parmesan Orzo and Peas by The Toasty Kitchen
    Parmesan Orzo and Peas by The Toasty Kitchen
    Parmesan Orzo and Peas by The Toasty Kitchen

    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.

    A white bowl filled with orzo and peas.

    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.

    Chicken broth is used to cook the orzo, which adds tons of flavor without a long list of extra ingredients.

    Pair this side dish with your favorite protein, like baked parmesan crusted chicken tenders. Or, toss in some diced ham for a complete meal. Orzo and peas also makes a great spring side dish for Easter dinner.

    Ingredients and substitutions

    Ingredients on a counter top.
    • Pasta - 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 your 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 to add a different flavor.
    • Italian seasoning - Enhances the flavor of your pasta. Italian seasoning can be homemade or a store bought blend.
    • Frozen peas - I prefer the fresh texture of frozen peas compared to canned peas. Plus, frozen peas are already par-cooked and ready to toss in to your cooked pasta. However, drained, canned peas can work as a substitute if needed.
    • Unsalted butter - Can be substituted with salted butter if needed (cut the amount of salt listed in half).
    • Onion and garlic - Enhances the flavor of your pasta. I don't recommend omitting either ingredient.
    • Parmesan cheese - Adds salty flavor and creaminess to your pasta. Freshly grated cheese from a block is best. Store bought, pre-grated cheeses (like in a green canister) are coated in anti-clumping powders that prevent cheese from melting evenly, and can add a grainy texture.

    Cooking onions, orzo, and peas in a saucepan.

    Is orzo a rice or pasta?

    Orzo is a pasta. However, it is shaped like rice, which can cause some confusion.

    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.

    A metal fork filled with orzo and peas.

    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:

    • Parmesan crusted chicken tenders
    • Bacon and spinach stuffed chicken
    • Baked chicken drumsticks
    • Pan-seared ribeye with garlic butter
    • Skillet flank steak with garlic butter

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    📖 Recipe

    A white bowl filled with orzo and peas.
    Print Recipe
    4.75 from 110 reviews

    Parmesan Orzo and Peas

    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.
    Prep Time5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time15 minutes minutes
    Total Time20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 5 servings
    Calories: 321kcal
    Author: Heather

    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

    • SS 3-Quart Saucepan
    • Red Spoonula Set

    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.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 752mg | Potassium: 358mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 602IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 201mg | Iron: 2mg
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American

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    1. Wanda

      April 19, 2023 at 8:07 pm

      This recipe was a side dish and very good. Had lots of leftover. Next day, made chicken broth with carrots, celery, oregano and dill. Added a little lemon juice with egg. When all cooked added the leftover orzo with peas and cheese. Very good GREEK AVGOLEMONO soup. Very good. Thanks

      Reply
    2. Adrea

      April 12, 2023 at 9:28 am

      Would this work with kraft parmesean cheese, I do not have fresh to grate?

      Reply
      • Heather

        April 12, 2023 at 10:00 am

        Store bought, pre-grated cheeses (like in a green canister) are coated in anti-clumping powders that prevent cheese from melting evenly and can add a grainy texture. While it shouldn't ruin the dish, it will add a noticeable texture and may get clumpy.

        Reply
    3. Linda

      March 27, 2023 at 4:48 am

      This recipe recipe was served as a side dish with marinated chicken. It was absolutely delicious and my family loved it. I will be making it again soon!

      Reply
    4. Jaimie

      March 06, 2023 at 6:25 pm

      Could this be made with a frozen mix vegetable (peas, carrot, corn) instead of just peas?

      Reply
      • Heather

        March 06, 2023 at 7:46 pm

        Yes, mixed vegetables would also work.

        Reply
    5. Soph

      January 17, 2023 at 5:05 pm

      Love this recipe! I add the juice of 1 lemon at the very end to give it a little acidity, and use pecorino instead of Parmesan so it’s lactose free, but overall this recipe is perfect!

      Reply
    6. Fiorina

      January 04, 2023 at 3:26 am

      Delicious as is, used fresh Italian herbs.

      Reply
    7. Debbie

      November 06, 2022 at 3:12 pm

      Delicious! Nice and creamy! Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
    8. Sue

      September 04, 2022 at 2:32 pm

      Yum! This turned out great! The starch from cooking the orzo in the broth and not draining made it very creamy. Thank you!

      Reply
    9. Tracy

      August 27, 2022 at 9:14 am

      This was absolutely delicious and so easy to prepare.

      Reply
    10. Sonja

      August 20, 2022 at 4:32 pm

      This was excellent! The only thing I disliked was the brand of Italian seasoning I used, I’ll have to use a better one, if you can recommend, please 🙂 This was not bland at all. My toddler who doesn’t eat anything homemade enjoyed this. It was super easy & quick, my kind of dish! In my rotation, thank you thank you!

      Reply
      • Heather

        August 21, 2022 at 9:38 am

        Hi Sonja, glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe! I make my own Italian seasoning blend from dried herbs I keep on hand. If there's a particular herb you like more than others, it's easy to adjust to suit your tastes 🙂
        https://thetoastykitchen.com/italian-seasoning/

        Reply
    11. Barb

      May 29, 2022 at 1:30 pm

      Can I freeze the leftovers?

      Reply
      • Heather

        May 29, 2022 at 2:24 pm

        Cooked pasta generally doesn't freeze well (it gets mushy when thawed and reheated) so I do not recommend it.

        Reply
    12. Althea

      May 02, 2022 at 8:27 pm

      This was absolutely Delicious, I served this with Pork Chops in Creamy White Wine Sauce with mushrooms it paired wonderfully.
      This meal is a keeper hubby said

      Reply
    13. Karen

      March 25, 2022 at 11:30 am

      Made this with Parmesan Crusted Chicken- it was SOOOO delicious and easy!!
      Definitely a keeper!!

      Reply
    14. Stacy

      March 04, 2022 at 9:00 pm

      LOVE this recipe! It goes with everything!

      Reply
    15. Linda

      February 14, 2022 at 11:38 pm

      This is such a delicious side dish. Everyone was asking for the recipe.

      I have this as an all time favourite in my house

      Thanks

      Reply
    16. Kate

      February 02, 2022 at 10:45 pm

      This is a great side dish that appeals to even some picky eaters in our family. I love how quick and easy it is to put together!

      Reply
    17. Mimi

      October 20, 2021 at 7:55 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Maggie

        September 15, 2022 at 6:31 pm

        Made this and loved it. Can the recipe be doubled?

        Reply
        • Heather

          September 15, 2022 at 7:45 pm

          I haven't personally tried doubling this recipe before, so I can't say for sure, but I think it would turn out fine. If you give it a try, let us know how it goes!

          Reply
    18. Rebecca Rempert

      July 25, 2021 at 6:51 pm

      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.

      Reply
    19. Tammy

      June 27, 2021 at 8:55 am

      Heather, I agree with Paula. I've made this recipe several times and it is absolutely awesome. Thanks so much for sharing.

      Reply
    20. patti

      June 26, 2021 at 8:49 pm

      I thought it was delicious and easy! Thank you!!! My family loved it!

      Reply
    21. Tammy

      June 05, 2021 at 4:10 pm

      Could I use long grain rice with the same proportions of the other ingredients?

      Reply
      • Heather

        June 05, 2021 at 4:56 pm

        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.

        Reply
    22. Paula

      November 19, 2020 at 10:05 pm

      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.

      Reply
    23. Karen

      September 27, 2020 at 5:07 pm

      This turned out rather poorly. The orzo was pasty to say the least. Next time. Cook pasta according to directions. Sauté veggies and add.

      Reply
    24. Sheena

      August 19, 2020 at 7:27 am

      Maybe some Italian herb mix will help.
      Will try this today

      Reply
      • Heather

        August 20, 2020 at 8:48 am

        Hi Sheena, since this is a mild recipe, I think Italian herbs would be a great addition!

        Reply
    25. Laurie

      August 07, 2020 at 8:01 pm

      The recipe is too bland I think it needs more seasoning.

      Reply
      • Heather

        August 07, 2020 at 8:04 pm

        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 (as well as more Italian seasoning) if desired.

        Reply

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    Heather of The Toasty Kitchen

    Hi, I'm Heather of The Toasty Kitchen. I love cooking with real, unfussy ingredients, and I want to help you make homemade meals with ease.

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