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Homemade Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Orzo recipe photo

Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Orzo

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Orzo is rich, comforting, and easy to make! Perfectly tender orzo meets roasted garlic and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta small, rice-shaped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth low sodium optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for roasting the garlic and adding richness
  • 1 head of garlic roasted
  • 1 cup heavy cream creates creamy texture
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds salty, nutty flavor
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • to garnish chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Grater
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden. Cool and squeeze cloves out of skins.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a gentle boil. Add orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but slightly firm. Drain excess broth, reserving some for thinning sauce.
  3. Return cooked orzo to saucepan over low heat. Stir in heavy cream and roasted garlic cloves, mashing garlic to distribute. Cook 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Gradually mix in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and sauce thickens. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add reserved broth if sauce is too thick.
  5. Transfer orzo to serving bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
  • Substitute dairy-free cream and Parmesan alternatives for a vegan version.
  • Watch orzo carefully while cooking to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
  • Be careful not to over-roast garlic to prevent bitterness.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved broth or cream as needed.