Garlic and Fresh Herb Orzo
I wanted to make a light and simple side dish to pair with the Dijon and herb panko-crusted halibut and the green beans with lemon and garlic I was serving for dinner. I had basil and parsley as well as tons of garlic, so I decided to add them to some orzo. The herbs and garlic gave the pasta a nice flavor boost. We all liked this garlic and fresh herb orzo recipe and thought it paired nicely with the rest of the meal.
Garlic and Fresh Herb Orzo
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry orzo, cooked, per package instructions
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped finely
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped finely
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Serving:
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
How to Make Garlic and Fresh Herb Orzo
Bring a large saucepan of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the orzo and cook it according to the package directions.
Drain, reserving ¼ cup of cooking liquid.
Heat the olive oil in the same large saucepan. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
Add the drained orzo back to the pot. and some of the reserved cooking liquid. Stir then season well with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.
Add the fresh parsley and basil, then toss to coat evenly. Taste and re-season if needed, or add more reserved water if dry.
Serve immediately.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo cooked per instructions
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped finely
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped finely
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Serving:
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Bring a large saucepan of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the orzo and cook it according to the package directions.
- Drain, reserving ¼ cup of cooking liquid.
- Heat the olive oil in the same large saucepan. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Add the drained orzo back to the pot. and some of the reserved cooking liquid. Stir then season well with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.
- Add the fresh parsley and basil, then toss to coat evenly. Taste and re-season if needed, or add more reserved water if dry.
- Serve immediately.
I love how light and fresh this orzo looks, I think it could make a great main dish too!
I love this kind of side – it seems so simple and yet everyone always comes back for more!
Such a light but flavorful dish. Perfect side dish with any protein. Delicious Pam!
I’ve never tried orzo!
I love orzo…. Chris does not… so I very rarely actually get to enjoy it. This is quite perfect though… simple and flavorful!
I have fallen madly in love with orzo. There is just so much you can do with it. Fresh herbs and orzo are fantastic.
Sam
Hi Pam,
Another simple but yet super delicious combination of ingredients and flavours!!
Cheers,
Lia.
I’ve never cooked orzo plain; I always use it in rice or soup. Maybe it’s time to rethink that position, since this looks really good.
Cuando niña siempre comÃa esta pasta lindo plato nutritivo,saludos y abrazos.
We are thinking and cooking alike this week – garlic and herbs. The orzo looks inviting and I bet it went very well with the fish.
My family loves orzo! I can just imagine how delicious this was paired with the halibut and the green beans…what a fabulous, healthy meal!
I’m never very good at coming up with side dishes! Definitely keeping this orzo in mind!
Simple side dishes usually turn out to be the most delicious. This one sounds really tasty.
Light and delicious! This is a great side.
I’m always looking for something new to do with orzo. This looks great!
Pinned it!