This lemon orzo pasta is flippantly creamy and bursting with vivid lemon taste. Simple to make in a single pot in 20 minutes, it is excellent for weeknights!
This lemon orzo recipe is a simple, scrumptious one-pot dinner or aspect dish. This spring, it’s been one among my go-to weeknight meals. It requires simply 10 components, cooks up in 20 minutes, and—better of all—is a success with the entire household, kiddo included!
I like this lemon orzo pasta as a result of it’s vivid, contemporary, and creamy with none cream. The starches from the orzo and just a little Parmesan excellent its comforting texture, whereas contemporary lemon juice, lemon zest, and herbs provide its zingy taste.
I usually combine in some chickpeas and sautéed asparagus to make this lemon orzo a meal by itself, however it works simply in addition to a aspect. It’s a flexible, flavorful recipe to have in your again pocket!
Lemon Orzo Elements
Right here’s what you’ll must make this straightforward lemon orzo recipe:
- Orzo, after all! In case you’re not acquainted, orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that hails from Italy. As a result of it’s such a small pasta form, it has a super-quick cooking time, which makes it one among my favourite starches to achieve for on weeknights. Orzo is historically made with semolina and/or durum wheat, however for those who’re gluten-free, you may be at liberty to substitute your favourite gluten-free orzo.
- Unsalted butter or olive oil – For richness.
- Vegetable broth – It helps the orzo soften because it cooks. Use store-bought, or make do-it-yourself vegetable inventory.
- Garlic – For savory depth of taste.
- Peas – They add satisfying texture and candy pops of taste to this lemon orzo recipe. I exploit frozen peas for comfort. Be happy to substitute contemporary ones if in case you have them available.
- Lemon juice and zest – For vivid, zesty taste! Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for one of the best outcomes.
- Parmesan cheese – It provides savory, nutty taste and makes the orzo flippantly creamy.
- Contemporary herbs – For garnish. High off the pasta with a sprinkle of contemporary parsley, basil, and/or contemporary dill.
- And salt and pepper – To make all of the flavors pop!
Discover the whole recipe with measurements under.
The best way to Make Lemon Orzo
I’m saying it once more: this lemon orzo recipe is simple to make in one pot! Right here’s the way it goes:
First, toast the orzo. Warmth the butter or olive oil in a medium Dutch oven or massive saucepan over medium warmth. Add the orzo and cook dinner till it smells nutty and is browned in locations, about 2 minutes.
Then, simmer. Add the broth, garlic, salt, and pepper to the pot. Convey to a boil, scale back the warmth to take care of a simmer, and cook dinner, stirring sometimes, for 10 minutes, or till the liquid is absorbed. Add the peas (I don’t even thaw them first!) and cook dinner till heated by way of.
Take away from the warmth and stir within the lemon juice and zest, Parmesan, and half the herbs. Stir till the cheese is melted.
- Tip: The orzo ought to have a flippantly creamy texture, just like risotto. If turns into too dry, add extra broth, just a little at a time, as wanted to maintain it creamy. I nearly all the time add an additional 1/2 to 1 cup earlier than serving!
Season to style and serve topped with the remaining herbs and extra cheese, if desired. Take pleasure in!
Recipe Variations
- Add a protein. Stir in 1 cup cooked chickpeas or white beans.
- Add a vegetable. Stir in sautéed asparagus or steamed broccoli for texture. Or add contemporary spinach once you add the peas and stir till it wilts.
- Change the cheese. Use pecorino or feta cheese as an alternative of the Parm.
- Sauce it up. Serve it with a dollop of pesto on high.
Serving Strategies
My household usually enjoys this lemon orzo pasta as a major dish on busy weeknights. I both add chickpeas and a inexperienced veggie on to the orzo, or I serve it with a inexperienced salad, roasted asparagusand/or sautéed broccolini on the aspect.
This lemon orzo recipe is a good aspect dish too. Pair it with roasted cauliflower steaks or any merely cooked protein!
The best way to Retailer Lemon Orzo
- Within the fridge: Permit the lemon orzo to chill utterly, then seal in an hermetic container. Retailer within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
- Within the freezer: Freeze in an hermetic container for as much as 3 months. Thaw within the microwave or in a single day within the fridge.
- To reheat: The orzo will thicken because it sits. Reheat within the microwave or over low warmth on the stovetop, stirring in water or broth as wanted to achieve a creamy consistency.
Extra Orzo Recipes to Attempt
For those who love this lemon orzo pasta, attempt one among these scrumptious orzo recipes subsequent:
Lemon Orzo Recipe
Serves 4
This lemon orzo pasta is a fast and simple one-pot dinner or aspect dish! Excellent for weeknights, it is flippantly creamy and filled with vivid lemon taste. Be happy so as to add your favourite protein or veggies!
Stop your display from going darkish
-
Soften the butter in a big saucepan or medium Dutch oven over medium warmth. Add the orzo and cook dinner, stirring sometimes, for two minutes to toast it.
-
Add 3 cups of the broth, the garlic, salt, and a number of other grinds of pepper. Convey to a boil, scale back the warmth to medium-low, and cook dinner, stirring sometimes, for 10 minutes, or till the broth is absorbed. Add the peas and cook dinner for an additional 2 minutes, or till heated by way of.
-
Take away from the warmth and add the lemon juice and zest, Parmesan, and half the herbs, stirring till the cheese is melted. Season to style, stirring in additional broth as wanted to maintain the orzo flippantly creamy.
-
Serve topped with the remaining herbs and extra cheese, if desired.
*Vitamin details calculated for 1/4 recipe. Precise sodium content material will fluctuate relying on what model of vegetable broth you employ.
