Italian Orzo Side Dish Recipes

CREAMY ITALIAN ORZO

Steps:

• Bring a salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still al dente (slightly firm), stirring often, about 8 minutes. Drain, saving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in large frying pan over medium heat. Add onion, mushrooms and garlic, and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in the half and half and peas. Add the orzo and toss to coat. Remove pan from heat. Add parmesan to pasta mixture.
• Stir pasta mixture until the sauce coats the pasta thickly, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to maintain a creamy consistency. Season the orzo with desired amount of salt, and serve hot.
• Chunks of chicken or shrimp could be added if you choose to serve this as a main dish.

ITALIAN SAUSAGE ORZO

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring water and bouillon to a boil. Stir in orzo; return to a boil. Cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Drain orzo, reserving 3/4 cup cooking liquid., In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook and crumble sausage with onion and garlic over medium heat until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, roasted pepper, salt, pepper, pepper flakes and orzo. Heat through over medium-low heat; stir in reserved cooking liquid to moisten if desired. Remove from heat; stir in basil and cheese.

MUSHROOM ORZO

Steps:

• Melt 1/2 the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onions, and cook until golden brown. Mix in orzo, mushrooms, and remaining butter. Cook and stir 5 minutes, until butter is melted and mushrooms are tender.
• Pour water and wine into the skillet, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 7 to 10 minutes, until orzo is al dente. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley to serve.