Description
This One-Pot Creamy Cacio e Pepe Orzo is a cozy, cheesy, peppery twist on the classic Roman dish, made simple with just one pot and a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 to 1½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 2½ cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Place a saucepan over medium heat and let it warm up.
- Add the butter and let it melt, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Add the cracked black pepper and stir.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently toward the end.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Spoon into bowls and garnish with more cheese and pepper, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Toast the orzo for a nuttier flavor.
- Add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping.
- Use a splash of broth or milk when reheating leftovers to maintain creaminess.
- Customize with veggies or lemon zest for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cacio e pepe orzo, one pot creamy pasta, easy orzo recipe, pepper parmesan pasta