Creamy Parmesan Orzo Peas (Printable)

Tender orzo pasta cooked with sweet green peas in a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for any meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta & Dairy

01 - 1 cup orzo pasta (about 7 ounces)
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - ½ cup heavy cream
04 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
06 - ½ cup whole milk

→ Vegetables

07 - 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
08 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings

10 - ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped shallot and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add orzo pasta and toast, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and milk. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered, stirring often, for 8 to 10 minutes until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Stir in green peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Stir continuously until cheese has melted and sauce becomes creamy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
07 - Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is quick and painless.
  • The creamy Parmesan sauce clings to every grain of orzo, making each bite rich and satisfying.
  • Its versatile enough to serve as a cozy main or an elegant side dish.
  • You can have it on the table in half an hour without breaking a sweat.
02 -
  • Stir the orzo frequently while it cooks or it will stick to the bottom of the pan and burn.
  • Don't add the Parmesan over high heat or it will clump instead of melting smoothly into the sauce.
  • If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up before serving.
03 -
  • Grate your Parmesan fresh from a block and add it off the heat to keep the sauce smooth and glossy.
  • Reserve a little pasta cooking liquid before draining if you accidentally make it too thick, it saves the day every time.
  • Taste the orzo a minute before the timer goes off so you catch it right at al dente and avoid mushiness.
Go Back