Description
A quick, smoky, and creamy side dish made by cooking orzo in a cast-iron skillet over a grill. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) Orzo Pasta
- 4 tbsp (60g) Unsalted Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- ½ cup (50g) Grated Parmesan Cheese
- ½ cup (120ml) Chicken Broth (low-sodium)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper, freshly cracked
- Salt, to taste
- High-smoke-point oil (for grates)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, bring to a rolling boil, and add generous salt. Add orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and set aside. Do not rinse.
- Prepare the grill for medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C) using a two-zone fire. Clean and lightly oil the grates.
- Place a cast-iron skillet on the direct heat zone. Add butter and let it melt and foam. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 60-90 seconds until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn.
- Add the drained orzo to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the broth reduces and creates a creamy base.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and black pepper. Use residual heat to melt the cheese into a smooth sauce. Adjust salt if needed and serve immediately.
Notes
[‘Do not overcook the orzo; it should be slightly undercooked before adding to the skillet as it will finish cooking in the sauce.’, ‘Always remove the skillet from direct heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and oiliness.’, ‘Use freshly grated parmesan; pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.’, ‘Reserve some starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.’, ‘Stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
Keywords: grilled orzo, creamy garlic parmesan, summer side dish, grill recipes, quick pasta, one-pan meal, smoky pasta