If you’re looking for a cozy yet elegant dish that comes together quickly and delights every time, this Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. The tender orzo pasta cooked in savory vegetable broth gets a luscious finish with rich heavy cream and sharp Parmesan cheese, while sweet peas add a pop of color and freshness. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and subtly sweet that feels comforting but never heavy. Whether for a weeknight supper or a special occasion, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, contributing to the creamy texture, cheesy depth, and bright green vibrancy of the final plate. Here’s what you’ll need to create that irresistible Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe:
- Butter: Adds richness and helps toast the orzo for a nutty flavor.
- Orzo pasta: The star of the dish, its tiny rice-like shape cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Vegetable broth: Provides a savory base and infuses the orzo with depth.
- Heavy cream: Creates the signature creaminess that makes this dish indulgent yet smooth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that enhances every bite.
- Peas (fresh or frozen): Give bursts of sweetness and a delightful green contrast.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to bring everything together and make each flavor shine.
- Fresh parsley: A fresh herbal note and pretty garnish to brighten the plate.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Orzo
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the orzo and stir frequently for 1 to 2 minutes. This step toasts the tiny pasta, giving it a subtle nutty aroma and ensuring it doesn’t end up mushy later on.
Step 2: Simmer in Vegetable Broth
Next, pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let the orzo cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The broth will gradually absorb into the pasta, making it tender and flavorful without any dryness.
Step 3: Add Cream, Parmesan, and Peas
Once the orzo is perfectly tender, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and peas. Keep cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the peas to warm through and the sauce to thicken into a silky, creamy coating that clings beautifully to every grain.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Season your dish generously with salt and pepper. Remember, Parmesan already adds saltiness, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly. Perfect seasoning elevates the flavors and brings harmony to this creamy delight.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal accent. Your Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe is ready to be enjoyed immediately, while warm and luscious.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic, but you can also add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few toasted pine nuts for extra texture and brightness. These additions complement the creamy Parmesan flavor beautifully and make the dish visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add a fresh, crunchy contrast. For protein, grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or a simple baked tofu will turn this side into a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. It also shines beautifully as a bed under pan-seared scallops or alongside a vibrant beet salad for a colorful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid and thicken, so you might find it needs a splash of broth or cream when reheating to return to its luscious consistency.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal because the cream can separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, place the orzo in a freezer-safe container and use within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently with a bit of extra liquid.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a small splash of vegetable broth or cream to loosen it as it warms up, helping to restore its original creamy texture without drying out or curdling.
FAQs
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely! Using chicken broth will add a slightly richer flavor, making the dish even heartier. Just make sure it complements any other proteins you may serve alongside.
Is it okay to use frozen peas?
Yes, frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe and are incredibly convenient. Just add them directly to the pot when it’s time instead of fresh peas — they’ll thaw quickly while cooking.
Can I make this dish vegan?
With a few swaps, yes. Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of butter, plant-based cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute to maintain that cheesy flavor.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta? Can I substitute with something else?
You can try using other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or tiny shells, but cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the texture and adjust broth as needed.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Adding a minced garlic clove while toasting the orzo or finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice brings a wonderful brightness that contrasts the creamy richness deliciously.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe a try means adding a new favorite to your meal lineup that’s quick, comforting, and endlessly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day and can easily impress guests without any fuss. So grab those simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a creamy bowl of joy you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Peas is a quick and comforting pasta dish that combines tender orzo pasta with a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, complemented by sweet peas for a fresh pop of flavor. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe delivers creamy texture and cheesy goodness in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Creamy Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Toast Orzo: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast the pasta and enhance its flavor.
- Simmer Orzo in Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cream, Cheese, and Peas: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and peas. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through and the sauce to thicken and become creamy.
- Season to Taste: Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your preference, ensuring a well-balanced flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen peas depending on availability; no need to thaw frozen peas beforehand.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Adjust salt carefully since Parmesan cheese adds saltiness to the dish.
- To make it vegetarian-friendly, ensure the vegetable broth used is vegetarian certified.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
