Easy Sage Brown Butter Orzo recipe

Sage Brown Butter Orzo – Easy, Creamy, and Comforting

There’s something magical about a bowl of warm, buttery orzo — especially when it’s infused with nutty brown butter and fragrant fresh sage. This dish instantly transports me back to cozy fall evenings when I wanted something comforting but still elegant enough to serve to guests. The first time I made this sage brown butter orzo, I was surprised by how quickly it came together with simple pantry ingredients.
In just one pot and under 30 minutes, you get a creamy, aromatic side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. Whether you’re new to orzo or already a fan, this easy homemade sage brown butter orzo recipe will become one of your go-to favorites.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups orzo pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
8–10 fresh sage leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ cups vegetable broth
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon
Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Butter

Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Allow it to melt, then cook until the color turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3–4 minutes).
Add the fresh sage leaves and cook for 30 seconds until crisp.

2. Sauté the Garlic

Add 2 minced garlic cloves directly into the brown butter.
Stir for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. Toast the Orzo

Add 1 ½ cups orzo into the pan.
Stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the grains for extra flavor.

4. Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in 2 ½ cups vegetable broth, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Finish the Dish

Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan.
Add juice of ½ lemon for brightness.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

1. Make It Creamier

Add 2–3 tablespoons of cream or a splash of milk at the end for a richer texture.

2. Add Protein

Stir in cooked chickpeas, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded roasted chicken for a complete meal.

3. Swap the Herbs

Instead of sage, try thyme, rosemary, or basil depending on the season and your preference.

Storing & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftover orzo in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Add a splash of broth when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat with a little broth or water. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! This dish reheats very well. Add a splash of broth before serving to bring back the creamy texture.

Can I use another type of pasta?

You can use small pasta shapes like pastina or couscous, but adjust liquid and cooking time as needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and skip the Parmesan or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Peas, spinach, or roasted vegetables make great additions.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Calories: ~350
Protein: ~10g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~14g

This sage brown butter orzo is warm, aromatic, and incredibly easy to make — the perfect comfort dish for busy weeknights or special dinners. If you enjoyed this easy homemade sage brown butter orzo recipe, leave a comment below, share it with friends, or explore more delicious recipes on the blog. Your support helps the community grow, and I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out!