Savory Herb Butter Orzo Side Dish Ready in Just 15 Minutes
A quick and flavorful orzo side dish infused with rich herb butter, ready in just 15 minutes.
Equipment
- - Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- - Serving bowl
Ingredients
For the Herb Butter
- 1 stick unsalted butter softened
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or other soft herbs
- 2 cloves grated garlic fresh
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil high-quality
For the Pasta
- 1 cup dried orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt for cooking water
For Serving
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano
Instructions
How to Make Everyday Herb Butter Orzo Pasta
- In a bowl, blend softened butter, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil until creamy and well combined.
- Bring 3-4 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the dried orzo pasta and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's al dente and tender.
- Drain the cooked orzo and transfer it to a serving bowl. Mix in the prepared herb butter until it melts and coats the orzo beautifully. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Notes
Make your herb butter in advance and store it in the fridge for convenience. Experiment with different herbs or add sautéed vegetables for variety.