Browned Butter Orzo

I hope that we are not the only ones that get in a rut with side dishes!  I love grilled and roasted veggies but variety is a necessity for me.

Browned butter recipes first hit my radar last year. And it took me a good six months to actually make anything with this technique.  Oh my, what was I waiting for!  It is amazing how something so simple can transform the most basic ingredient. 

This browned butter orzo side dish is so tasty.  It is pretty simplistic, which is ideal for a weeknight dinner, and is made up of basic pantry ingredients (bonus points!).  I love it with grilled or sauteed chicken... I know, chicken and a pasta dish doesn't sound the most inspired; but the nutty flavors and hint of parmesan in the orzo make it so much more than average.

Parmesan-Browned Butter Orzo

From Cooking Light

• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup orzo
• 2 Tbsp white wine
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, chives or basil work well)

Cook 1 tablesopoon butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat 4 minutes or until browned.

Add orzo; cook 1 minute, stirring often. Add white wine, cook over medium-high heat 1 minute.

Add chicken browth, bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 13 minutes. 

Stir in the parmesan, cover and let stand five minutes.  Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs.  We like parsley or basil.

Enjoy!

~ Tara