Parmesan Orzo

Creamy & yummy.   Great side dish with just about any dish.  Add some chicken to eat and have it as a meal.

PARMESAN ORZO
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*2 tablespoons butter
*1 cup uncooked orzo pasa
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*1/8 cup onion, chopped
*1 3/4 cup chicken stock
*1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
*1/8-1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (depending on your taste)
*1/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
*salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
~Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium-heat.
~Stir in orzo, garlic & onion, saute until orzo is lightly browned.
~Stir in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
~Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until orzo is done.
~Mix in parmesan cheese & basil.
~Once mixed well, stir in cherry tomatoes, salt & pepper.

Variations:
-Stir in 1/4 of homemade pesto, when adding parmesan cheese.
-Add feta, when adding tomatoes.
-Add sautéd spinach, after adding parmesan cheese.
-Add mushrooms, add when adding garlic & onions.

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