Herb-Roasted Garlic Orzo (Printable Version)

Orzo pasta with roasted garlic and fresh herbs creates a flavorful, aromatic side or main for any meal.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Roasted Garlic

01 - 1 whole head garlic
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Pinch sea salt

→ Orzo

04 - 1 cup orzo pasta
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 2 and 1/2 cups vegetable broth
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Fresh Herbs & Finishing

09 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
10 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
12 - Zest of 1 lemon
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the top off the garlic head to reveal the cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Wrap in aluminum foil and place on a baking tray.
02 - Roast the garlic package for 30 to 35 minutes, until cloves are soft and golden. Allow to cool slightly, then squeeze garlic cloves into a bowl and mash into a smooth paste.
03 - While garlic is roasting, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add orzo pasta and stir frequently until lightly toasted and golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper to the toasted orzo. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 to 10 minutes.
05 - Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in the roasted garlic paste, chopped parsley, chopped basil, thyme leaves, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese if desired. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs or Parmesan cheese as preferred.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Roasting garlic brings a sweet, buttery richness to the orzo that you simply can't get any other way—don't skip this step.
  • It’s endlessly adaptable, and that hit of lemon zest ties everything together in a way that brightens up any meal.
02 -
  • If you rush the garlic or try to turn up the heat, you’ll end up with bitter, crunchy cloves instead of soft, sweet goodness.
  • The orzo will soak up liquid as it sits, so don’t be afraid to add a splash of hot water or broth to loosen it up just before serving.
03 -
  • Scraping every bit of roasted garlic paste into the orzo transforms the overall flavor—don't waste a drop left in the foil.
  • Lemon zest stirred in off the heat gives bursts of brightness you’ll notice in every bite.
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