The Best Orzo Recipe Ever!

This post is very simple: THIS IS THE BEST ORZO RECIPE EVER! There is no need to even explain how good this recipe is, just trust me and make it. You will LOVE it and it will be a staple recipe in your house, I promise.

When Dave and I started dating 15 years ago, I found an orzo recipe from Gourmet Magazine. Gosh do they even publish that magazine anymore? Let me Google it…I'll be right back. Nope, they stopped publishing in 2009. Too bad, that was a great magazine. I had never made orzo before so making this recipe was a bit of an adventure to me. The recipe is Parmesan Orzo with Scallions. I remember hoping it would turn out okay, especially since I had only been dating Dave for a few short months. Well it didn't just turn out okay, it turned out spectacular. I was like this is damn good if I do say so myself! Dave was thoroughly impressed with my culinary skills. The recipe is pretty basic to make but the taste pretty amazing.

I seriously must have made this recipe 100 times throughout the years. If you know me well, you've probably had this recipe at my house at some point. It's a crowd pleaser for all ages. Kids loves this orzo recipe. Almost every time I make it for someone they ask for the recipe. So here it is if you don't already have it. My dear cousin Samantha asked for the recipe not too long ago. She made it and she said it turned out great. Good job Sam! This is also one of those recipes that you taste while it's still in the saucepan and can't stop eating it...Kinda like Tyler, Zachary and I did!

The recipe I have below is the basic recipe but it can be altered by adding other ingredients, like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, asparagus or peas, really whatever ingredient you are in the mood for will go well. If you add other ingredients keep it simple; the more you add the more it takes away from the original flavors. The boys like it best the original way. I made a 12 ounce box of orzo and there was barely any left...and Dave wasn't even home for dinner tonight to eat any...and I made pork tenderloin to go with it. Yep, that's how delicious it is. Salute to the best orzo recipe ever from Gourmet Magazine circa 1997!

Start with 1 12 ounce box of orzo pasta

Bring 4 1/2 cups of water and 4 chicken bouillon cubes to a boil

Turn heat down to medium and occasionally stir

The liquid will begin to evaporate in the orzo,
continue to stir

After about 10 minutes almost all of the liquid will be evaporated, turn heat to low and stir.

The orzo will be perfectly cooked and no need to strain the liquid. Now add the parmesan cheese and scallions and stir.

Now you have the BEST ORZO RECIPE EVER!

Parmesan Orzo with Scallions (Click to print recipe)

Preparation and cook time: 20 minutes

Serves 6-8 as a side dish

Ingredients:

• 1 12 ounce box orzo pasta
• 4 1/2 cups water
• 4 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1/8 cup of chopped scallions
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/8 t salt
• 1/8 t pepper

In a medium saucepan add 4 cups of water and 4 chicken bouillon cubes and bring to a boil. Add orzo and turn heat down to medium-high. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking. After about 10 minutes the liquid will almost be evaporated. Turn heat down to low until all liquid is evaporated. Add parmesan cheese and scallions and stir. Add to a large bowl and serve as a side dish.

Food Impressions:

Nate: "Yum, this is so delicious..minus the scallion-onion green things."

Tyler: "I love orzo, it's super good." Before he even finished his orzo on his plate and walked over to the bowl to help himself to more before it was all gone.

Zachary: "Oh wow, this is super good." He finished his orzo in 2 minutes and had a huge second helping.

Andrea: The best orzo recipe ever!