Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt.
2. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the orzo and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
3. Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Add the Orzo and Peas

1. Once the cream mixture is simmering, add the cooked orzo pasta and stir to coat it in the sauce.
2. Add the green peas and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the peas to warm through.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Season

1. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preference.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top, if desired.
2. Serve the Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas warm, and enjoy as a side or a main course!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Note: Based on a 1-cup serving

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Potassium: 200mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can substitute milk for a lighter sauce, but the consistency may be thinner. To maintain creaminess, you could mix milk with a small amount of flour (about 1 tbsp) or add more Parmesan cheese.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers would pair nicely and add extra flavor.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan?
A: Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.

Q: What other cheeses could I use?
A: Cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even Gouda would add a unique twist. Just keep in mind they may have a slightly different flavor profile.

Tips for Making Perfect Creamy Parmesan Orzo:

1. Cook the Orzo Al Dente: To prevent mushiness, cook the orzo until al dente (firm to the bite) before adding it to the sauce.
2. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-packaged shreds, creating a creamier sauce.
3. Adjust Cream Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a bit longer after adding the Parmesan, as it will naturally thicken.
4. Opt for High-Quality Ingredients: With a simple dish like this, quality makes a difference. Fresh garlic, a quality Parmesan, and flavorful peas elevate the entire recipe.
5. Try Adding Protein: If you’d like to make this a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled bacon.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerator: Store any leftover Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Freezer: This dish isn’t ideal for freezing, as cream-based sauces can separate when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, place it in an airtight container, freeze for up to 1 month, and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring in additional cream to help bind the sauce.

Conclusion:

Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas is the perfect comfort food, offering a velvety sauce, tender orzo, and bright pops of peas. Its simplicity doesn’t sacrifice flavor, and it’s versatile enough to complement nearly any main course or to stand alone as a meal. Quick, delicious, and adaptable, this dish will surely become a go-to recipe for family meals and special occasions alike. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying recipe that’s certain to impress!