Creamy Italian Orzo Recipes

CREAMY GARLIC-PARMESAN ORZO

Steps:

• Cook the orzo according to the package directions; drain well.
• In a large skillet melt the butter over medium heat; add in the onion and saute until just softened (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add in fresh garlic and chili flakes the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Reduce the heat to low and add in the cooked orzo, Parmesan cheese, milk or cream, parsley and salt; toss to heat through.
• Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.

CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN ORZO

Steps:

• In a large skillet add the olive oil, butter and cook for about 30 seconds until the butter melts. Stir in the onion and garlic and let it cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes aromatic.
• Add the orzo to the skillet and let it cook for about 2 minutes just in the oil so that it starts to toast lightly, this will give it a nutty flavor.
• Season with salt and pepper then stir in the chicken broth and half and half. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a medium-low, cover with a lid and let it cook for 5 minutes.
• Remove the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
• Serve immediately.

CREAMY ITALIAN CHICKEN & ORZO SKILLET

Steps:

• Mix cream cheese spread, milk and seasonings until blended.
• Cook chicken and zucchini in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 6 to 7 min. or until chicken is done, stirring frequently. Add cream cheese mixture and tomatoes; cook and stir 2 min. or until heated through.
• Serve over pasta.

CREAMY ITALIAN ORZO

Steps:

• Bring a salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still al dente (slightly firm), stirring often, about 8 minutes. Drain, saving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in large frying pan over medium heat. Add onion, mushrooms and garlic, and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in the half and half and peas. Add the orzo and toss to coat. Remove pan from heat. Add parmesan to pasta mixture.
• Stir pasta mixture until the sauce coats the pasta thickly, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to maintain a creamy consistency. Season the orzo with desired amount of salt, and serve hot.
• Chunks of chicken or shrimp could be added if you choose to serve this as a main dish.

CREAMY ORZO

Steps:

• Bring a heavy large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the cream and peas. Add the orzo and toss to coat. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Parmesan to the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Stir the pasta mixture until the sauce coats the pasta thickly, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to maintain a creamy consistency. Season the orzo with salt and pepper, and serve.

CREAMY ORZO WITH PORCINI

Steps:

• Place mushrooms in a medium bowl; add 2 cups warm water. Let soak until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain in a sieve lined with a paper towel or coffee filter, reserving liquid. Squeeze mushrooms to remove excess liquid; roughly chop.
• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add orzo; cook, stirring often, until orzo is golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Add porcini, reserved liquid, and 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, until orzo has absorbed most liquid and is creamy, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle parsley on top.