Description
Bright, zesty lemon orzo comes together in one pot for a creamy pasta side dish or satisfying main. Packed with fresh lemon, garlic, parmesan, and optional peas, this quick recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta (9 oz)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
1. Heat butter in saucepan over medium. Sauté garlic and zest 30 seconds.
2. Add orzo; toast 4 minutes until golden.
3. Pour in broth, salt, pepper. Boil, then simmer 10 minutes until al dente.
4. Off heat, stir in juice, cheese, peas. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Pro Tips:
– Cook to al dente: Check at 8 minutes
– Stir often to avoid sticking
– For vegan: Use vegetable broth + vegan parmesan
Storage: Fridge 4 days. Reheat with broth splash.
- Prep Time: PT5M
- Cook Time: PT15M
- Category: ['Side Dish']
- Method: ['Stovetop']
- Cuisine: ['Italian']
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 15