Name: Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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If you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort but also want to sneak in a little protein, look no further than this Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo. With its luxuriously smooth texture, cozy flavors, and a delightful tang from cottage cheese, this quick pasta dish strikes a perfect balance between homey and sophisticated. It’s as simple as it is satisfying, making it a weeknight staple I come back to time and time again—this is one dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo is how it transforms just a handful of staple ingredients into something truly special. Each component brings a unique flavor or texture, coming together to create an irresistibly creamy and savory masterpiece.

Orzo Pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up sauces beautifully—ideal for delivering that luscious texture.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil creates a flavor base and keeps sautéed aromatics from sticking.
Onion (finely chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and depth, setting up a savory background for the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves add plenty of aromatic punch for a comforting, Italian-inspired vibe.
Cottage Cheese: This is the key to the dish’s creaminess and adds a boost of protein without weighing things down.
Parmesan Cheese (grated): Brings irresistible umami and helps the sauce cling to every piece of orzo.
Milk: Loosens up the sauce and gives it a velvety texture—whole or 2% both work well here.
Fresh Parsley (chopped): Scatters freshness and a pop of color to brighten up the finished dish.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for making all those cozy, creamy flavors really sing.

How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo

Step 1: Boil the Orzo

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your cup of orzo. Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente according to package instructions—it should be tender but still have a little bite. This step is quick, usually just 8–10 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain the orzo and set it aside, ready for its deliciously creamy destiny.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the orzo cooks, heat the olive oil gently in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it sizzle until it’s starting to turn translucent, about 3 minutes, then toss in the minced garlic. Let everything sauté together for another minute or so, stirring often. The aroma alone will get your appetite going.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo Sauce

Lower the heat to prevent scorching, then stir in the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and milk. Stir gently and watch as the ingredients transform into a silky, rich sauce. The cottage cheese melts down slightly and the milk brings everything together—don’t rush this part, as you want the sauce to be warm, smooth, and cohesive.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Add your drained orzo straight into the skillet with that dreamy sauce. Toss everything together until every grain of orzo is cloaked in creamy goodness. Give it a good taste and season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. If you want to ramp up the creaminess, feel free to sneak in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream. Right before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of herbaceous freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can add a final flourish to your Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan is always a win, and a shower of more fresh parsley makes the dish look irresistible. For a fun twist, scatter on some lemon zest or even chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This dish is comforting on its own, but pairing it with simple sides takes it to the next level. Think garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or tender roasted vegetables. The neutral, creamy base of the orzo complements just about any veggie or grilled protein you love.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to think outside the bowl! Try serving Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo in individual ramekins at a dinner party, or use it as a bed for grilled chicken or roasted veggies. For a colorful twist, fold in peas or spinach during the last minute of cooking for an extra veggie boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo left (though that’s a big “if”), let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a super satisfying next-day lunch.

Freezing

While dairy-based pastas can sometimes get a little grainy when frozen, you can still freeze this dish if you’re in a pinch. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Defrost gently in the refrigerator before reheating to help maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, place the Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo in a skillet or saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and stir gently until everything is hot and creamy again. Microwave reheating works too, just heat in short bursts and stir often to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape if I don’t have orzo?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even couscous make fine substitutes, though the texture will be a bit different. The creamy sauce works well with almost anything that will hold it.

Does the cottage cheese need to be blended first?

No blender necessary! The curds in cottage cheese melt down beautifully in the skillet. However, if you prefer a completely smooth sauce, you can use a hand blender right in the pan before adding the orzo.

Is Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo gluten-free?

Orzo is traditionally made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free orzo or swap in another small gluten-free pasta shape—just keep an eye on cook time and texture.

How can I add more vegetables?

Stir in baby spinach or a cupful of frozen peas towards the end of cooking for a pop of color and nutrition. Sautéed mushrooms or chopped cherry tomatoes are also wonderful additions that meld with the creamy sauce.

Can I serve Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo cold as a pasta salad?

You sure can! It makes a lovely, protein-packed cold pasta salad—just add a squeeze of lemon and a little extra milk to loosen the sauce before chilling.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious, and truly fuss-free pasta, give Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo a try. The clever combo of ingredients creates a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent—and I wouldn’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a household staple for you too!

Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delightful Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo dish that combines the richness of cottage cheese and Parmesan with the comforting familiarity of orzo pasta, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo Pasta:

1 cup orzo pasta

Seasonings:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese Mixture:

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook Orzo: Cook orzo in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
Make Cheese Sauce: Lower heat; combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, and milk until creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Add cooked orzo to cheese sauce; season with salt and pepper.
Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh parsley before serving.