Simple Brown Butter Basil Orzo

·

Still looking for a dish to make for Valentine's Day? This simple brown butter basil orzo is it! It is a delicious side dish for any occasion.

Simple Brown Butter Basil Orzo

I love this side dish. It is simple, yet decadent and incredibly flavorful. This is everything you want in a dinner to mark a special occasion such as Valentine's Day! I made this for Julian a few days ago and he loved it. The nuttiness from the browned butter combines well with the parmesan and basil. And the orzo is the perfect pasta shape for this sauce!

My parents used to make this when I was younger, and it was easily one of my favorite family meals. I also loved to watch my parents cooking together and to see the joy they had together. We had the smallest kitchen known to man, but my parents still managed to make great meals for us all the time!

Simple Brown Butter Basil Orzo

Making this Simple Brown Butter Basil Orzo

While the full recipe instructions are available below, here are some tips to make this amazingly easy side dish!

  • First, we need to brown the butter. Add the butter to a medium sized skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Let the butter melt and start to brown. Now add the orzo and let it cook in the butter for a couple of minutes. This is important, because it gives the orzo an amazing flavor and texture.
  • Next, add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. To make this vegetarian, simply swap out the chicken stock for vegetable stock.
  • Finally, mix in the grated parmesan and basil. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Serve along with your favorite main dish and enjoy!
Simple Brown Butter Basil Orzo

Main Dishes You Might Like with This Recipe

While I could easily eat just this as a meal, here are some ideas of what to serve with your delicious orzo!

https://www.instagram.com/scrambledandscrumptious/

Simple Brown Butter Basil Orzo

Still looking for a dish to make for Valentine’s Day? This simple brown butter basil orzo is it! It is a delicious side dish for any occasion.

Author:
Kirsten
Servings:
6
Prep Time:
5
Cooking Time:
25

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 + 1/2 cups orzo (dry)
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken stock (substitute veggie stock to make this vegetarian)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 6 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter begins to brown, add the orzo and cook for approximately 2 minutes. The orzo should be slightly browned.
  2. Add the broth and stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for approximately 20 minutes. The orzo should be tender and the liquid absorbed.
  3. Mix in the parmesan and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Scoop into bowls and enjoy!

Leave a Comment

Leave a Comment

Thanks for contributing to our community! Your comment will appear shortly.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Be the first to comment on this recipe