Brighten up your dinner table with this vibrant and creamy Orzo with Lemon Garlic Parmigiano Herbs, a simple yet elegant dish bursting with fresh flavors. This recipe combines tender orzo pasta with a luscious lemon-garlic sauce enriched by Parmigiano-Reggiano and aromatic fresh herbs like parsley and basil. A touch of olive oil and butter creates a silky texture, while a dash of red pepper flakes adds optional warmth to balance the citrusy zing. Ready in just 30 minutes, itβs perfect as a quick weeknight side dish or a satisfying light main course. Serve it warm and garnish with extra cheese for a classic Mediterranean flair.
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
Add the minced garlic and sautΓ© for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the lemon zest and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the lemon juice, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, parsley, and basil. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve warm as a side dish or a light main, garnished with extra parsley or Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired.
Calories |
2078 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 116.2 g | 149% | |
| Saturated Fat | 59.2 g | 296% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 269 mg | 90% | |
| Sodium | 6956 mg | 302% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 159.0 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.5 g | ||
| Protein | 124.5 g | 249% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2967 mg | 228% | |
| Iron | 8.4 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 242 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.