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.
One of my go to recipes. I never leave reviews, but as I’ve used this recipe so many times I thought I should. My favourite thing to serve this with is salmon! ★★★★★ - Brenda
Why you'll love this recipe
Flavor/texture: Tender orzo and sweet peas are coated in a light parmesan herb sauce.
It's easy. Whip up this easy side dish in about 20 minutes in a single pan.
Great for: Accompanying your favorite main dish for a quick weeknight meal.
Serve with: Baked Chicken Drumsticks or Pan-Seared Salmon
Similar to: Creamy Chicken Orzo and Chicken Mushroom Orzo
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Ingredients and substitutions
- 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 great 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. 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. Frozen peas could also be substituted with frozen mixed vegetables, frozen peas and carrots, or frozen corn.
- 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.
How to make parmesan orzo
- Melt butter in a saucepan and sauté onions and garlic.
- Add broth, orzo, and seasoning, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until orzo is al dente according to package directions.
- At this point, most of the liquid should be absorbed.
- Add peas and parmesan cheese and stir until melted and peas have thawed. Allow to set for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips and tricks
Properly measure liquid and pasta - The most important step in this recipe is measuring your pasta and liquid ingredients exactly. Since the pasta is cooked in the same pan as the rest of the ingredients, it is important to use the exact amount of liquid needed to cook that pasta. If too much liquid is added, the dish will be runny. If too little liquid is added, the ingredients will get dry, stick to the bottom of the pan, and potentially burn.
Ingredients sticking to the bottom? - Add a splash of water and turn the heat down slightly.
Pan look liquidy after pasta is done cooking? - Remove the lid and allow steam to escape. After dish is done cooking, allow it to set for 5 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it stands.
Add more flavor - Sauté mushrooms with the onions for added earthy flavor or squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Add protein - Mix in some leftover holiday ham, rotisserie chicken, garlic butter shrimp, or a can of drained tuna for a complete meal.
Storage
Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Reheat slowly over medium-low heat to help prevent the parmesan sauce from breaking.
Leftover pasta does not freeze and thaw well, so I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Frequently asked questions
Orzo is a pasta that's shaped like rice, which can cause some confusion.
See my tips and tricks section above. I have written this recipe with exactly enough liquid to cook the pasta. It is extremely important to measure the broth and orzo exactly to ensure your dish doesn't turn out runny. After cooking, there should be just enough liquid left over to create a creamy sauce with the starch released from the pasta and the parmesan cheese.
Remove the lid and allow your finished dish to sit for 5 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it stands and some of the moisture will evaporate. Optionally, a ½ teaspoon of cornstarch whisked in a bit of water could be added in if the sauce is very runny. Cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes to help the cornstarch thicken the sauce.
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
Pasta cooking times can vary from brand to brand. I use De Cecco brand pasta, which calls for a cooking time of 10 minutes for orzo. Some brands cook faster and can call for a cooking time of as little as 5 minutes. See step two of the recipe, which recommends checking your pasta's package for proper cooking times.
Recommended
📖 Recipe
Parmesan Orzo and Peas
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo, dry
- 24 ounces 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 until most of the liquid has been absorbed and orzo is al dente (check your pasta's package directions for exact cooking times - for De Cecco brand orzo the cooking time is 10 minutes).
- Remove lid and 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
- Broth: Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable or beef broth to match the flavors of your main dish.
- Accurately measure ingredients: 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.
- Sauce look runny?: Your pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it stands. If your sauce looks runny, allow to set for 5 minutes.
- Storage: Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Reheat slowly over medium-low heat to help prevent the parmesan sauce from breaking.
I love orzo in any recipe! This was so satisfying and easy to make! Great standby side dish, especially for busy days.
I 'veganized' this recipe. I used Vegan butter, the fake chicken broth, and nutritional yeast for the cheese. Since I did this from the first time, I had no comparison. I thought it is a really good dish. I have made this a few times now. Thanks for posting.
This was absolutely delicious will def make again !