Simple Basil Parmesan Orzo (Easy-Under 30 minutes)

5 from 3 votes

This is a 5 ingredient (not including salt & pepper) hot side dish that can be made in under 30 minutes! It's simple, yet tastes gourmet.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy orzo, under 30 minutes

Servings:

Calories: 153kcal

Author: Katia

2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups organic chicken broth I like to use Better than Bouillon, but I usually buy it from Costco
1/4 cup fresh basil chopped (or 3 tsp dried basil)
1/3-1/2 cup parmesan shredded (amount depending on your preference, but I find 1/3 cup to be enough)
1/2 tsp sea salt
A few twists of fresh ground pepper

Heat a skillet on Medium high heat and melt butter.
Once butter melted add uncooked orzo to skillet and sauté until some orzo lightly browned, stirring frequently.
Now add broth to skillet, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover. Cook orzo about 15 minutes or until most liquid is absorbed, but still moist. (Cooking varies with skillet temperature, so if too much liquid not absorbed, cook for up to another 5 minutes covered)
Remove Orzo from heat and stir in parmesan, basil, salt and pepper. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
Serve and enjoy!

This is a great starchy hot side dish to replace a usual pasta or rich dish.