Orzo With Parmesean and Basil

If you need a great side dish, this is it. I get tired of potatoes, rice and noodles, so this is a different thing that you don't normally have. At least we don't in our house. Another good one is couscous. Anyway... back to Orzo pasta. It looks a little like a flat piece of rice. I am sure you can eat it many ways, but this is what I have done a couple of times and it turns out great. And the great thing, it is really easy too!  Hope you like it!

From Allrecipes

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter ( I do a little less)
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (I only had shredded Italian cheese and this turned out great!)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (It tastes better with fresh, but in a pinch, dried can be used.  I only use about 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 tsp dried basil)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (Only for garnish)

Directions

1. Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo and saute until lightly browned.
2. Stir in chicken stock and bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 - 20 minutes.
3. Mix in Parmesan cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to shallow bowl. Garnish with basil sprigs.