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+ servings
A close-up of creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo topped with grated cheese and fresh basil in a white bowl.

Lemon Parmesan Orzo

This recipe provides a creamy and flavorful side dish featuring lemon and Parmesan cheese. It is designed to be a light pasta idea suitable for spring meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 244

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 Tablespoons Salted Butter
  • 1 cup Onion diced
  • 1 1/3 cups Orzo
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth
Finishing Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese good-quality
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Zest
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice add more for more lemon flavor
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil chopped
  • To taste Salt and Pepper

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan

Method
 

  1. Heat a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat and add butter. Add onions and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes or until onions are tender and translucent.
  2. Add the orzo and toast for 2 minutes. Add garlic. Add in chicken broth and reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the chicken broth has been absorbed.
  3. Remove from the heat and add parmesan cheese until it is melted. Stir in heavy cream, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil.
  4. Taste for seasonings and add salt and pepper as needed.
  5. For extra creaminess, stir in some salted butter right before serving and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the orzo. For extra lemon flavor, garnish with lemon zest.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 605mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 366IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Add more lemon juice and lemon zest to taste.
If you need to reheat the creamy orzo, add some chicken broth and heavy cream since the orzo pasta will soak up all of the liquids.

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