Parmesan Garlic Orzo

I love easy side dishes and this one makes the top of my list!  It is not just easy, it is quick too.  This can be made in about 15 minutes and it is sure to please your whole family!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Cups Orzo
• 3 Tablespoons of Butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
• 1/3 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 1 Chicken Bouillon Cube (this is optional, but it gives it a little more flavor

serves 4-6

Bring 3 cups of water and chicken bouillon cube to a boil.  Cook orzo 8-9 minutes (or according to package).  Drain orzo.  Add butter and garlic to pot.  Stir constantly while the butter melts.  Return the orzo to the pot and mix with the butter.  Add Parmesan cheese, stir, and salt and pepper to taste.  

Follow the Magical Moms on Facebook and Pinterest for weekly menu ideas, crafts, and Disney Magic.  

Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Tomatoes

 Summer is just around the corner so it is time to add in some lighter side dishes into the rotation.  A cold salad always makes me think of a picnic and I wish summer was one giant picnic!  I think that I could grill outside every night!  BTW is orzo a pasta or a rice?  Whatever it is is delicious!  The orzo salad is very simple compliments almost anything.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of uncooked Orzo
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Fresh Asparagus
• 2 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2- Lemon juiced and zested
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley or a couple tablespoons of fresh
• Sea Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh Grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Serves 6

Bring two medium pots of water to a boil.  In one pot, cook the orzo according to the directions on the box.  Drain and place in In the other pot, blanch asparagus for 2-3 minutes.

Make sure you don't over cook it.  After it is cooked place asparagus in a bowl of ice to stop it from further cooking and keep them green.
In a small bowl combine lemon juice, zest, garlic, and dried parsley.  Pour over orzo and stir in asparagus, tomato halves, and parmesan cheese.  Salt and pepper to taste.

This can either be served warm or cold.  We prefer to serve it cold.

This recipe was featured on the Marvelous May Menu, be sure to check out the rest of the May Menu.

Better than Rice-a-Roni (and healthier) Rice Pilaf

I try to incorporate whole grains as much as possible in our house, and that means whole wheat pasta and brown rice. But I love the boxed rice flavors. So I experimented and came up with a great alternative to the preservative loaded box stuff. It's only half whole grain because I couldn't find whole wheat orzo, but it is made with brown rice instead of white, so it's a healthier alternative.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cup chicken broth

Directions:

1. Heat oil in pan and add rice, orzo and onion.
2. Cook on medium heat until mixture is golden brown.
3. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes or until tender.

Easy peaty and much better for you (especially if you have a  corn or yeast allergy- you can't use the boxed stuff).

This recipe was featured in Two Magical Moms March Menu Madness and our 30 Days of Dinners June Menu. Make sure to check out all of the other great recipes on these menus!