In just 55 minutes, I can have this decadent Giada white chocolate orzo pudding ready, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The ingredients are so wholesome and comforting, with flavors like pure vanilla extract and pure orange zest taking center stage.

The texture is perfectly smooth, and the sweetness just makes it so satisfying. It’s great for a weeknight dessert and super easy to pull together on busy days.

Recipe Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (from ½ orange)
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips, such as Guittard
• ½ cup crushed amaretti cookies

How To Make Giada white chocolate orzo pudding

1. Simmer the Orzo Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, salt, sugar, cinnamon stick, and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the orzo pasta, reduce heat to low and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid thickens slightly. Don’t worry, it’s supposed to still have some liquid.
2. Melt the White Chocolate and Cool: Add the orange zest and white chocolate chips to the orzo mixture and stir until the chocolate is melted. Let it cool to room temperature (about 20 minutes) while stirring occasionally to avoid a skin forming on top.
3. Chill and Serve: Divide the pudding into 6-8 custard cups or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled. Top with crushed amaretti cookies before serving – the perfect crunch!

Recipe Tips

• White Chocolate Upgrade: Enhance the flavor of your white chocolate orzo pudding by using high-quality white chocolate with a cocoa butter content of at least 30%, which will result in a richer, creamier taste experience.
• Add Fresh Fruit: Elevate the presentation of your white chocolate orzo pudding by garnishing it with fresh seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, which not only add pop of color but also create a sweet and tangy flavor combination.
• Creamy Texture Tip: To achieve a silky smooth texture in your white chocolate orzo pudding, it’s crucial to cook the orzo al dente, then gradually whisk in the white chocolate and cream to prevent lumps and incorporate air evenly.
• Customize with Spices: Experiment with different warm spices, such as ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom, to create unique flavor variations in your white chocolate orzo pudding, providing an aromatic and comforting twist on this classic dessert.
• Make it Boozy: Take your white chocolate orzo pudding to the next level by infusing it with a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, which will add a sophisticated and adult twist to this comforting dessert, perfect for special occasions.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada De Laurentiis Ziti Stufati
• Giada De Laurentiis Orzo With Clams
• Giada Tofu With Broccoli And Sweet Chile Glaze