Parmesan-Brown Butter Orzo with Toasted Pine Nuts

This was a delicious side dish that was extremely easy to make and turned out to be a huge hit. The brown butter gave the orzo a nice nutty flavor, and I really loved the sweet shallots, salty Parmesan, and crunchy pine nuts – it was a fantastic combination of flavors & textures. We all, especially the adults, loved this side dish.

Parmesan-Brown Butter Orzo with Toasted Pine Nuts

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp shallots, diced
• 1½ cups of orzo
• 3 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

How to Make Parmesan-Brown Butter Orzo with Toasted Pine Nuts:

Brown the butter by heating it in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, cook for a few minutes until it just starts to darken in color, then add the shallots and cook, stirring often, for 1-2 minutes.

Add the orzo and cook, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes.

Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover & simmer for 20-25 minutes. The orzo should be tender, and the liquid absorbed

Add the Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, parsley, and season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, then stir until well combined.

Serve immediately. Enjoy.