The Best Yumblink Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
I’m always in the mood for orzo. It’s like pasta but cuter and it cooks fast, so it’s perfect for busy days. And when you pair it with buttery black pepper and a whole lot of parmesan? Game over. This One Pot Orzo Cacio e Pepe is cheesy, cozy, and super easy. Best of all, it only uses one pot, which means less cleanup. And yes, that makes it taste even better. Let’s get into it!
Method
1. Melt the Butter
Start by placing a large nonstick pan or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt fully. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to sizzle a bit and smells rich and buttery this creates the perfect base for your orzo to soak up flavor right from the beginning.
2. Toast the Orzo and Pepper
Once the butter is melted, stir in the orzo and freshly ground black pepper. Let them toast in the pan for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step wakes up the pepper’s aroma and gives the orzo a slightly nutty flavor. You don’t want it to brown too much just a light toasting will do.
3. Add Water and Salt
Next, pour in 3 cups of water and sprinkle in the salt. Stir everything together to combine. Raise the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil. This step is where the orzo begins to soften and absorb the peppery, buttery goodness in the pan.
4. Simmer Until Tender
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the orzo simmer gently. Stir every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook until the orzo is soft and the water is mostly absorbed. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for a texture that’s creamy but not watery.
5. Stir in the Parmesan
Turn off the heat once the orzo is cooked and still warm. Now comes the fun part stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Do this a little at a time to help it melt smoothly and evenly. The cheese will melt right into the orzo and create that classic, creamy “cacio e pepe” texture.
6. Taste and Adjust
Before serving, give your orzo a quick taste. If it needs a little extra salt or pepper, now’s the time to add it. You can also add a splash of warm water or milk if the dish has thickened more than you like. Stir well and serve warm for maximum comfort.
Necessary Tools
- Large nonstick pan or deep skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater (for that beautiful Parmesan)
- Ladle or spoon for serving
One Pot Orzo Cacio E Pepe
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
5
minutesCooking time
15
minutesTotal time
20
minutesIngredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup orzo
1 tablespoon black pepper
3 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (don’t skip fresh, trust me!)
Directions
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Let it sizzle and smell all buttery.
- Add the orzo and black pepper. Give it a good stir and let it toast for a minute or two. The toasting adds flavour and makes the kitchen smell amazing.
- Pour in the water and add the salt. Stir, bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down low.
- Simmer gently. Stir every couple of minutes so nothing sticks to the bottom. Cook until the orzo is soft and the water is mostly absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in that glorious grated parmesan cheese while it’s still hot.
- Taste and adjust. If it needs a bit more salt or pepper, go for it.
Notes
- Don’t walk away while the orzo is cooking. It can stick or overcook quickly if you don’t stir now and then.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan, not the powdery kind from a can. It melts better and gives the sauce that silky finish.
- Don’t add all the cheese at once. Sprinkle and stir to avoid clumping.
- If the mixture gets too thick, add a splash of warm water or milk to loosen it up.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is great on its own, but here are a few ways to level it up
- Add a fried or poached egg on top. So satisfying.
- Serve it with roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus.
- Pair with a light salad and crusty bread for a full meal.
- Sprinkle extra parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for a fancy touch.
Fun Fact
“Cacio e pepe” means “cheese and pepper” in Italian. It’s a classic Roman dish that uses just a few ingredients, but wow, it packs in flavor. This orzo version gives it a creamy twist with a faster cook time and less cleanup.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quick, cheesy comfort meal that won’t leave a mountain of dishes behind, this One Pot Orzo Cacio e Pepe is it. It’s cosy, simple, and super satisfying, basically everything I want on a weeknight. Give it a try, and I promise, you’ll want to make it again and again.
