Lemon Orzo
Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, this Lemon Orzo recipe is the ultimate quick and easy side dish or light main course. Made with tender orzo pasta simmered in broth and infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, and sautéed garlic, this dish is a celebration of simplicity done right. Generous Parmesan cheese and a hint of olive oil deliver a luxurious, velvety texture, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Perfect for busy weeknights or as an elegant complement to grilled chicken or seafood, this 20-minute, one-pot recipe combines convenience with gourmet flavor. Whether enjoyed hot or at room temperature, Lemon Orzo is a crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile as it is delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the orzo to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
While the orzo cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the olive oil and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth if necessary, leaving a small amount for moisture.
Stir the sautéed garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the orzo until evenly combined.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the orzo is creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
Serve warm as a main dish or a side, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1342 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.7 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.6 g | 103% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 4266 mg | 185% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 158.8 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.5 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.6 g | ||
| Protein | 60.9 g | 122% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 984 mg | 76% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 232 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
