Orzo with Lemony Leek Sauce

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Brighten up your weeknight dinners with this cozy yet elegant Orzo with Lemony Leek Sauce! This quick 30-minute dish combines creamy orzo pasta with a velvety sauce made from sautéed leeks, fresh garlic, and a zesty burst of lemon. A touch of heavy cream and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese create a luscious, tangy base that clings to every tender grain of orzo, while a hint of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Perfect as a standalone vegetarian entrée or a side dish alongside grilled chicken or seafood, this recipe will impress your taste buds and dinner guests alike. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal or a bright, citrusy twist on pasta night, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

13 items

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups leeks (white and light green parts, thinly sliced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons parsley (freshly chopped, for garnish)

📝 Instructions

10 steps

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.

3. Add the sliced leeks to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

4. Add the minced garlic to the leeks and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic brown.

5. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.

6. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

7. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

8. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Stir to coat the orzo evenly with the sauce.

9. Remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

10. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (241.4g)

Calories		552
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		31.6 g	41%
	Saturated Fat	16.2 g	81%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		63 mg	21%
Sodium		751 mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate		46.3 g	17%
	Dietary Fiber	3.1 g	11%
	Total Sugars	2.7 g
Protein		18.6 g	37%
Vitamin D		0.4 mcg	2%
Calcium		377 mg	29%
Iron		1.7 mg	9%
Potassium		224 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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1135 cal (52.2%%)

Protein: 298 cal (13.7%%)

Carbs: 742 cal (34.1%%)