Creamy Orzo Pasta with Parmesan and Basil
This easy creamy orzo pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight replacement for risotto, made with creamy parmesan and fresh basil for a quick, satisfying side dish.
Busy weeknights? This is a side dish recipe you’ll want to make again and again! It cooks up quick, has only 7 ingredients, and is the perfect pair for nearly any protein.
It tastes so rich and creamy even though the recipe doesn’t use a drop of heavy cream.
Best of all, it is easy to make and it has a gentle flavor—the parmesan cheese comes through and is perfectly balanced with the basil.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
We like to serve this orzo pasta with grilled chicken or steak. It would also pair well with our Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
I also like to serve it with a large salad, since there’s a lovely contrast between the crunchy greens and tender pasta. It would also work well with steamed veggies.
What is orzo pasta?
Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that cooks up much more quickly than rice but still gives you that lovely small-grain bite.
Orzo is generally made with durum wheat semolina flour; however, there are also varieties that contain chickpeas for higher protein or a spinach and tomato variety that uses those ingredients to both flavor and color the pasta. Orzo also comes in gluten-free and grain-free varieties.
Choosing an orzo pasta for this recipe
We recommend using a longer cooking orzo variety in this easy recipe. (AKA, any box that lists over 9 minutes on the stovetop directions.)
We’ve found that these varieties hold up well while you slowly add the parmesan cheese and basil.
As with any pasta, our pasta cooking formula applies:
Take the cook time listed on the box, divide in half and then subtract 1 additional minute for al dente.
(For example, the package we used called for an 11 minute cook time. 11 divided by 2 is 5.5, minus 1 is 4.5, so you start with a 4 minute cook time.)
If your box calls for a 9 minute cook time, select a 3 minute cook time.
Recipe Variations
This is a pretty simple recipe. You could easily mix up the flavors by adding a little lemon juice and lemon zest with some of the chicken broth. You could also swap out the fresh herbs—it would taste wonderful with fresh parsley, tarragon, or oregano.
In a pinch, you can substitute dried basil for fresh or lightly dried. I’d start with 1 teaspoon dried basil and add a little more if needed.
Or, toss in some garlic and sauté it with the garlic.
You can also add some baby spinach and allow it to wilt when you return the lid in place.
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER ORZO
Cool the leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for 3-5 days.
The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it cools, so you will definitely need to add a splash of broth or water before you reheat it.
Reheat gently in the microwave on medium heat. Zap it for a minute, then stir well. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches your desired temperature.
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Creamy Orzo with Parmesan and Basil
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup orzo pasta we used DeCecco brand
- 1 can (14.5 oz) reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil plus more for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Select Saute and preheat the pressure cooking pot. When hot, melt the butter and add the orzo. Cook, stirring often, about 2 minutes, until the pasta is slightly browned.
- Add the broth, pepper, and salt. Lock the lid in place. Select High Pressure and 4* minutes cook time. When the cook time ends, use a quick pressure release.
- Gently stir in the parmesan until all the cheese is smooth and evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Add the basil and stir until mixed in evenly. Taste a small portion. If the pasta is more al dente than you like, replace the lid and allow to stand for up to 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Nutrition
More Orzo Recipes
Love orzo and want to make more? Here are some great orzo recipes you’ll enjoy:
- Butternut Squash Soup with Chicken and Orzo
- Lentil Orzo Soup
- Lemon Chicken Stew with Orzo by our friend Heidi at Foodie Crush
- Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad by our friend Maria at Two Peas and Their Pod
More Instant Pot Side dishes
Love the gentle creaminess of this dish and want similar sides on your table? Here are a few other recipes that have similar qualities and are easy to make in your Instant Pot:
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Easy and good! Nice change from rice. Served with spinach-artichoke chicken and corn on the cob. Hubby approved, lol! Thank you for the recipe!
I am so glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been making this recipe for years. We love to pair it with Grilled Salmon and a salad. I believe I got the recipe from Allrecipes.com. I’ve made it in the EPC and also on the stovetop and it comes out perfect every time.