Tea Scented Orzo
Elevate your side dish game with this Tea-Scented Orzo, a uniquely aromatic twist on classic pasta. Infused with the bold, earthy flavors of black tea, this dish delivers a subtle depth that perfectly complements the creamy richness of parmesan cheese and the bright zest of lemon. The orzo is simmered in a tea-infused broth, then tossed with garlic, butter, and a touch of olive oil for a luscious, savory base. Garnished with fresh parsley, this quick and elegant recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a refined accompaniment for special occasions. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is a must-try for pasta lovers looking for something extraordinary. Keywords: tea-scented orzo, orzo pasta recipe, tea-infused recipes, quick and easy side dish, aromatic pasta dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 teabags black tea (or your preferred tea blend)
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a simmer in a medium saucepan.
Add the tea bags to the simmering water and steep for 5 minutes to infuse the water with flavor.
Remove and discard the tea bags, ensuring no string or paper is left behind.
Bring the tea-infused liquid back to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
Drain the orzo, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted and combined.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the cooked orzo, tossing to coat it in the butter and oil mixture.
Add the reserved cooking liquid a tablespoon at a time, as needed, to keep the orzo moist.
Stir in the lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
326 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.1 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g | 35% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 24 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 482 mg | 21% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.8 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 12.2 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 204 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 84 mg | 2% | |
*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.
