Cheesy Orzo Recipe - Creamy Italian Comfort Food

Cheesy Orzo — a italian recipe (main course) with 7 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

20

Total Time (min)

5

servings

290

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Cheesy Orzo Recipe - Creamy Italian Comfort Food

Ingredients

Servings:
5
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Cook the Orzo

    In a large pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

    Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté Garlic

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

    Do not let garlic brown as it can become bitter.
  3. Combine Ingredients

    Once orzo is cooked, drain any excess liquid and add to the skillet with garlic. Stir to combine.

    Make sure to mix well for even flavor distribution.
  4. Add Cheeses

    Remove skillet from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

    For extra creaminess, add a splash of reserved broth if needed.
  5. Season and Serve

    Season with black pepper if desired. Serve hot as a main dish.

    Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Sugar-Conscious, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Fish-Free. Diet: Balanced

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your italian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Garlic bread
🍽️Caesar salad
🍽️Roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Cheesy Orzo Recipe - Creamy Italian Comfort Food is a beloved dish from Italian cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 20 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on simple, quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Each region of Italy has its own distinct culinary traditions, passed down through generations.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 7 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite cheeses like cheddar or gouda.

Rate This Recipe

How was this recipe?

Share This Recipe

Nutrition Facts

5 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories350kcal
Total Fat12gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates45gg
Dietary Fiber2gg
Total Sugars1gg
Protein15gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineItalian