Best Cheesy Orzo Pilaf Recipes

HERBED ORZO PILAF

Steps:

• Saute 1 chopped onion and 1 thyme sprig in butter over medium heat until golden; season with salt. Increase the heat to medium high; add 1 cup orzo and toast 2 minutes. Add 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and cook until the orzo is tender, 15 minutes. Stir in some chopped dill. Top with sour cream and paprika.

ORZO PILAF WITH GREEN ONIONS AND PARMESAN CHEESE

Steps:

• Bring 3 1/4 cups broth to boil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Mix in orzo and simmer uncovered until just tender but still firm to bite and some broth still remains, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Add green onions and cheese and stir to blend. Season pilaf to taste with salt and pepper. Rewarm over low heat, if necessary, and mix in more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if pilaf is dry. Transfer pilaf to large bowl and serve.

CHEESY BAKED ORZO WITH MARINARA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 375 degrees and bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the orzo and set aside.
• Meanwhile, in a very large (12-inch) ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook until fragrant (don't let the garlic burn), about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the spinach and a pinch of salt and cook, tossing often, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the marinara, basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat.
• Stir the cooked orzo into the sauce. Stir in the mozzarella, sprinkle the Parmesan on top, and bake, uncovered, until the Parmesan is melted and the pasta is heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with additional basil, and serve warm.

CHEESY RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and bring to a full boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 18 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the remaining tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until incorporated. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Gruyere; keep warm, covered.
• When the rice is cooked, stir in the cheese sauce, parsley, chives and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper.

ORZO PILAF

Steps:

• Brown orzo and onion in margarine over med-hi heat.
• Add rice, broth and a dash of pepper and salt.
• Bring back to a full boil, then cover, lower heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.

CHEESY ORZO PILAF

Steps:

• In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until crisp-tender, about 6-7 minutes.
• Add in sweet red peppers and just warm throughout.
• Add orzo; cook and stir until pasta is slightly toasted, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in broth, water, salt, and pepper & bring to a simmer.
• Reduce heat to low, cover saucepan, and cook until pasta is al dente, about 11-16 minutes.
• Add peas to saucepan, cover again, and remove from heat.
• Let stand 5 minutes.
• Add cheese and parsley; stir in gently with a fork and serve pilaf immediately.