Prepare to transform your ordinary pasta night into a culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Lemon Orzo with Parmesan! Imagine a dish so vibrant and creamy that it'll make your taste buds dance with joy - a perfect blend of zesty citrus, rich Parmesan, and perfectly cooked orzo that takes just 25 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend kitchen warrior, this Italian-inspired recipe is about to become your new go-to side dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered.
- Cook the orzo for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The consistency should be creamy but not mushy.
- Remove the pan from heat and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to be absorbed.
- Zest the entire lemon, then squeeze its juice directly into the cooked orzo.
- Drizzle olive oil over the orzo and gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer the orzo to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon zest if desired.
- Serve immediately while the orzo is warm and the cheese is melted, enjoying the bright, zesty flavors.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients - especially the lemon and Parmesan cheese - to maximize flavor.
- Stir the orzo frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- For extra creaminess, use warm broth when cooking the pasta.
- Don't overcook the orzo; aim for an al dente texture that's tender but still has a slight bite.
- If the orzo seems too dry, add a splash more broth or olive oil to maintain its creamy consistency.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Fresh parsley is key for both flavor and presentation, so don't skip the garnish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 185kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
