Lemon Orzo Simple and Delicious (Printable)
Tender orzo with zesty lemon, butter, parmesan, and fresh herbs. Ready in 25 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 cup orzo pasta
02 - 4 cups water
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
→ Sauce & Flavors
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - Salt, to taste
→ Optional Additions
11 - 1/2 cup frozen peas
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
# Directions:
01 - Bring 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain well, reserving the saucepan.
02 - While orzo drains, melt butter and olive oil in the same saucepan over medium heat. If using garlic, add minced clove and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Return drained orzo to the saucepan. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and parsley. If using frozen peas, stir them in at this stage.
04 - Toss everything together until orzo is creamy and well coated with the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley and lemon zest if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in 25 minutes but tastes like something from a proper Italian restaurant
- The bright lemon flavor wakes up even the most exhausted palates
02 -
- Do not rinse the cooked orzo or the sauce will not cling properly to the pasta
- Add the lemon juice off the heat to keep the flavor fresh and bright
03 -
- Grate your Parmesan fresh from a block instead of using pre shredded cheese for better melting and flavor
- Zest your lemon before juicing it, it is much harder to get the zest off a squeezed lemon