Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Ingredients

• olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• butter unsalted (4 tablespoons)
• small onion chopped (1)
• cloves garlic minced (4)
• orzo dry (2 cups)
• salt (1/2 teaspoon -- or to taste)
• pepper
• chicken broth low sodium (2 cups)
• half and half (2 cups)
• Parmesan cheese freshly grated (1 1/2 cups)
• fresh parsley chopped (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet add the olive oil (2 tbsp), butter (4 tbsp) and cook for about 30 seconds until the butter melts.
2. Stir in the onion and garlic and let it cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes aromatic.
3. Add the orzo to the skillet and let it cook for about 2 minutes just in the oil so that it starts to toast lightly, this will give it a nutty flavor.
4. Season with salt and pepper then stir in the chicken broth and half and half (2 cups).
5. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a medium-low, cover with a lid and let it cook for 5 minutes.
6. Remove the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.