Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente.
- While orzo cooks, heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the orzo.
- Add the drained orzo to the skillet with garlic and toss to coat.
- Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and the grated Parmesan. If the mixture seems dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley before serving, if using.
Notes
Toast the orzo briefly in butter before boiling for a nuttier flavor. Save some pasta water for a glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian