Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of a creamy one-pan pasta dish topped with crispy breadcrumbs and parsley, served in a dark bowl.

One-Pan Creamy Garlic Orzo with Caramelized Onions

This one-pan orzo recipe offers a delicious and convenient meal with minimal cleanup. It features creamy orzo, sweet caramelized onions, and a crunchy toasted breadcrumb topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Toasting Breadcrumbs 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Toasted Breadcrumbs
  • 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter divided
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
For the Orzo
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 5 large garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 8 oz. orzo
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 5 oz. Gruyère shredded
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt remaining

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • small bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp. butter. Cook breadcrumbs, stirring frequently, until golden brown and toasty, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Add thyme; season with 1/2 tsp. salt and set aside. Wipe out skillet.
  2. In the same skillet over medium heat, heat oil and remaining 1 Tbsp. butter until butter melts. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, seasoning with pepper and 1/2 tsp. salt halfway through and adding a splash of water if browning too quickly, until deeply golden and caramelized, 40 to 50 minutes total.
  3. Add garlic and wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes. Add orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until a few pieces are a little darker and slightly toasted, about 2 minutes; season with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt.
  4. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is nearly absorbed and orzo plumps and is al dente, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère and cream until cheese is melted. Top with reserved breadcrumb mixture.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal with minimal fuss. Enjoy the rich, creamy texture and the sweet depth of the caramelized onions.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!