Lemon Orzo

Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, this Lemon Orzo recipe is the ultimate quick and easy side dish or light main course. Made with tender orzo pasta simmered in broth and infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, and sautéed garlic, this dish is a celebration of simplicity done right. Generous Parmesan cheese and a hint of olive oil deliver a luxurious, velvety texture, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Perfect for busy weeknights or as an elegant complement to grilled chicken or seafood, this 20-minute, one-pot recipe combines convenience with gourmet flavor. Whether enjoyed hot or at room temperature, Lemon Orzo is a crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the orzo to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3

While the orzo cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the olive oil and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth if necessary, leaving a small amount for moisture.

Step 6

Stir the sautéed garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the orzo until evenly combined.

Step 7

Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the orzo is creamy.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

Step 9

Serve warm as a main dish or a side, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(841.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1341.7

Total Fat 56.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 20.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 80mg	0%
Sodium 4266.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 158.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.5g	0%
Total Sugars 5.6g
Protein 60.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 983.6mg	0%
Iron 8.3mg	0%
Potassium 231.7mg	0%

*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: 36.7%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 45.7%