Creamy Italian Orzo Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat a 8 inch pot with a tight fitting cover over moderate heat. Add oil, onion and garlic and saute for 2 or 3 minutes. Add broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and return broth to a boil. Cover pot and reduce heat to simmer. Cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until liquid is absorbed and pasta tender. Remove lid and stir in cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. You favorite fresh herbs may also be stirred into the orzo or rice to strengthen the flavor even more.

Steps:

• Bring the chicken broth, 1 cup water and the bay leaves to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Stir in the orzo and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Add the warm broth mixture and adjust the heat to maintain a simmer. Add the heavy cream and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaves. Stir the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, the parsley and the lemon zest and juice into the orzo; season with salt and pepper.

Steps:

• Cook the orzo according to the package directions; drain well.
• In a large skillet melt the butter over medium heat; add in the onion and saute until just softened (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add in fresh garlic and chili flakes the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Reduce the heat to low and add in the cooked orzo, Parmesan cheese, milk or cream, parsley and salt; toss to heat through.
• Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.

Steps:

• Bring a salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still al dente (slightly firm), stirring often, about 8 minutes. Drain, saving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in large frying pan over medium heat. Add onion, mushrooms and garlic, and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in the half and half and peas. Add the orzo and toss to coat. Remove pan from heat. Add parmesan to pasta mixture.
• Stir pasta mixture until the sauce coats the pasta thickly, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to maintain a creamy consistency. Season the orzo with desired amount of salt, and serve hot.
• Chunks of chicken or shrimp could be added if you choose to serve this as a main dish.