Roasted Garlic Orzo Pasta (Printable Version)

Tender orzo blended with creamy roasted garlic and Parmesan for a comforting Mediterranean side or light main.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Roasted Garlic

01 - 1 large head garlic
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Pinch of sea salt

→ Orzo

04 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
05 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 - Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Slice the top off the garlic head to expose cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Wrap in foil and roast in a small baking dish for 30-35 minutes, until golden and tender. Allow to cool slightly, then squeeze roasted garlic out of skins and mash into a paste.
03 - Bring vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add orzo and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in unsalted butter, mashed roasted garlic, grated Parmesan, heavy cream, black pepper, and salt. Mix until creamy and fully incorporated.
05 - Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses simple pantry and fridge staples you probably have on hand
  • Ready in under an hour with minimal prep
  • Velvety and creamy without being heavy
  • Subtly sweet roasted garlic flavor that feels restaurant-worthy
  • Doubles as a cozy main or elegant side
02 -
  • High in flavor but still light
  • Customizable for dairy free or vegan preferences
  • Ideal as a make ahead side or potluck dish
  • Roasted garlic steals the show every time for me I love how mellow and aromatic it becomes after roasting My family always ends up sneaking bites straight from the pan and it brings back memories of chilly evenings spent gathered in the kitchen
03 -
  • Always use freshly grated Parmesan for that dreamy melt and flavor
  • Avoid overcooking the orzo so the grains stay tender with a subtle bite If you like a little zip stir in a few shreds of lemon zest at the end
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