Savory & Cheesy Prime Rib Parmesan Orzo Skillet

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm skillet filled with tender prime rib, rich Parmesan cheese, and creamy orzo. The Savory & Cheesy Prime Rib Parmesan Orzo Skillet is the ultimate dish for turning leftover prime rib into a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for a cozy evening at home, a family dinner, or a weekend gathering, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious comfort food experience.

Inspired by the tradition of using leftover roast beef in hearty, one-pan meals, this recipe combines the depth of prime rib flavor with the delicate texture of orzo pasta and a velvety Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect fusion of savory, cheesy, and satisfying—a dish that both elevates leftovers and impresses guests.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or treating yourself to a gourmet-inspired meal without the fuss, this skillet delivers a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent experience in just one pan.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover prime rib, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.

2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

3. Stir in the chopped prime rib, cooking until just warmed through, about 2–3 minutes. Remove the meat and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Slowly pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Add salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.

7. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

8. Return the warm prime rib to the skillet. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

9. If using, add the frozen peas and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

10. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Yield: 4–6 servings

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.

• Leftover vegetables, such as roasted carrots or mushrooms, can be added for extra texture and flavor.

• If your prime rib is particularly lean, a small drizzle of olive oil or a teaspoon of butter can enhance the richness.

• This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. Use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to prevent overcrowding.

• To make it gluten-free, substitute the orzo with rice or a gluten-free pasta alternative.

Why This Recipe Works

The Savory & Cheesy Prime Rib Parmesan Orzo Skillet succeeds because it balances three essential elements: tender protein, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo. Each bite offers a harmony of textures—from the slight chew of orzo to the melt-in-your-mouth prime rib, all coated in a flavorful, cheesy sauce.

This skillet is also a perfect solution for using leftover prime rib, transforming what might be a simple cold cut into a gourmet-style dish. The seasoning blend of thyme, paprika, and Parmesan complements the natural flavor of the meat without overpowering it, creating a dish that is comforting, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing.

Tips for the Perfect Skillet

1. Choose quality leftover prime rib – Even though this is a recipe for leftovers, the flavor of the meat will shine, so use prime rib that is tender and flavorful.

2. Don’t overcook the orzo – Overcooked pasta can become mushy. Keep a close eye on the orzo and stir occasionally.

3. Layer flavors – Sautéing onions and garlic before adding the liquids ensures the base of your skillet is aromatic and flavorful.

4. Finish with cheese at the end – Parmesan melts best when added after the liquid has reduced slightly, creating a creamy coating rather than clumping.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this skillet straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style presentation.

• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations to Try

1. Mushroom & Spinach – Add sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for an earthy, green twist.

2. Cheddar & Jalapeño – Replace some of the Parmesan with cheddar and add finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy, melty kick.

3. Garlic Herb – Mix in extra minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme for a fragrant, herb-forward version.

4. Creamy Tomato – Stir in ½ cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes for a creamy, tangy variation.

Health Benefits

While indulgent and rich, this skillet can also offer nutritional benefits:

• Protein-packed – Prime rib provides high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair.

• Bone-healthy calcium – Parmesan cheese is a great source of calcium, supporting strong bones.

• Fiber & vitamins – Adding peas, spinach, or other vegetables increases fiber and vitamin intake.

By balancing indulgence with nutrient-rich ingredients, this recipe becomes a well-rounded comfort food option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy – One skillet, less cleanup, and under 40 minutes from start to finish.

• Leftover-friendly – Perfect for transforming last night’s prime rib into a whole new meal.

• Customizable – Adjust cheese, vegetables, or seasoning to suit your family’s preferences.

• Crowd-pleasing – Creamy, cheesy, and savory, this dish is likely to become a favorite for both adults and kids.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing – Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating – Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe with fresh prime rib instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! While this skillet is perfect for transforming leftover prime rib into a new, flavorful dish, you can also use fresh prime rib if desired. To do so, roast your prime rib according to your preferred method, allow it to rest, and then slice it into bite-sized pieces. Add the freshly cooked meat to the skillet toward the end of the cooking process so it warms through without overcooking. This ensures the prime rib remains tender and juicy. Using fresh prime rib may slightly increase the overall cooking time, especially if you want to incorporate the natural drippings from the roast for extra flavor. Either way, the end result is a rich, savory, and cheesy skillet meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests.

2. Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible when it comes to pasta choices. Orzo is ideal because it cooks quickly and blends seamlessly with the creamy Parmesan sauce, but small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, ditalini, mini shells, or even small bowtie pasta can work beautifully. The key is to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose. Smaller pasta cooks faster and absorbs the sauce well, while slightly larger shapes may require a few extra minutes of simmering. Regardless of your choice, the pasta will become tender, perfectly coated with the savory sauce, and create a comforting, hearty dish that pairs perfectly with the prime rib.

3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Transforming this skillet into a vegetarian-friendly meal is simple and just as satisfying. Replace the prime rib with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, roasted zucchini, eggplant, or even roasted bell peppers for a colorful and flavorful variation. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain a rich, savory base without meat. The creamy Parmesan sauce continues to provide indulgent flavor, and the orzo absorbs the seasonings beautifully. You can also add cooked lentils or chickpeas for extra protein and texture, making it a hearty, nutritious, and completely vegetarian-friendly comfort meal.

4. Can I make this ahead of time and reheat later?
Yes, this skillet is perfect for meal prep or preparing in advance. After cooking, allow it to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of milk or a small knob of butter while reheating helps restore the creamy texture and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick. This method makes it easy to enjoy a warm, cheesy, comforting meal anytime without starting from scratch.

This Savory & Cheesy Prime Rib Parmesan Orzo Skillet is a perfect example of how leftover meat can be elevated into a gourmet meal without fuss. With its creamy, cheesy texture, hearty prime rib, and tender orzo, it’s the kind of dish that turns a simple weeknight dinner into a cozy, indulgent experience.

From the first forkful to the last, this skillet brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to your table—a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Savory & Cheesy Prime Rib Parmesan Orzo Skillet

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting one-pan meal transforms leftover prime rib into a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent dinner. Perfect for cozy weeknights or family gatherings, it combines tender prime rib, delicate orzo pasta, and a rich Parmesan sauce for a hearty, satisfying dish that’s both easy and flavorful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups leftover prime rib, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

• Stir in chopped prime rib, cooking until just warmed through, about 2–3 minutes. Remove meat and set aside.

• In the same skillet, add orzo pasta and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.

• Slowly pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.

• Add salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir to evenly distribute.

• Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally.

• Return prime rib to skillet. Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and sauce is creamy.

• If using, add frozen peas and cook 2–3 minutes until heated through.

• Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer texture.

• Add leftover vegetables like roasted carrots or mushrooms for extra flavor.

• For lean prime rib, add a teaspoon of butter or drizzle of olive oil for richness.

• Can be doubled for larger gatherings; use a larger skillet or Dutch oven.

• To make gluten-free, substitute orzo with rice or gluten-free pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Michelle Davis