Lemon Orzo Pilaf
Brighten up your table with this Lemon Orzo Pilaf, a quick and easy side dish bursting with bold, zesty flavors! This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines the silky, toasted grains of orzo pasta with aromatic garlic and onion, all simmered in rich chicken or vegetable broth. A finishing touch of vibrant lemon zest and fresh lemon juice elevates the dish with a tangy freshness, while a hint of butter adds a luscious, creamy texture. Enhanced by fresh parsley—and optional dill for an herby twist—this versatile pilaf is perfect as a complement to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a standalone light meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an effortlessly elegant dish that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing. Perfect for meal preps, weeknight dinners, or dinner parties!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped Yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 cups Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon (or to taste) Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional) Fresh dill
Instructions
Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the orzo pasta to the saucepan and toast it by stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes, until it turns golden brown.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stir to combine, and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the orzo simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter until well combined.
Season the pilaf with salt and black pepper to taste.
Gently fold in the chopped parsley and dill, if using.
Serve the Lemon Orzo Pilaf warm as a side dish or light meal. Garnish with extra herbs, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
288 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.8 g | 14% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g | 15% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 697 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.9 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.9 g | ||
| Protein | 7.7 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 29 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 152 mg | 3% | |
*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.
