Lemon Orzo with Mushrooms and Pine Nuts

Brighten up your mealtime with this vibrant Lemon Orzo with Mushrooms and Pine Nuts! This quick and easy recipe combines tender orzo pasta with savory sautéed cremini mushrooms, toasted pine nuts, and a burst of fresh lemon zest and juice for a dish that's both refreshing and satisfying. The creamy yet light texture is elevated with fragrant garlic, a touch of butter, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, making it perfect as a vegetarian main or a flavorful side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. Pair it with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a deliciously nutty finish, and you've got a crowd-pleaser that’s full of zesty, hearty goodness.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced thinly
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth for cooking orzo

Directions

Step 1

Bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a small dry skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet with the mushrooms, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 5

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing everything together to combine and heat through.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the toasted pine nuts. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 7

Serve warm as a side dish or vegetarian main. Garnish with additional parsley and a lemon wedge if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1504.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1602.1

Total Fat 84.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.2g
Cholesterol 78.6mg	0%
Sodium 2101.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 167.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.6g	0%
Total Sugars 9.0g
Protein 57.2g	0%

Vitamin D 11.2IU	0%
Calcium 741.4mg	0%
Iron 10.8mg	0%
Potassium 985.3mg	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: 45.7%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 40.5%