Lemon Orzo Recipe: The Perfect Side Dish
Creamy Lemon Orzo is a quick and easy side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course. Made with orzo pasta, fresh lemon juice, and parmesan, it's the perfect balance of richness and brightness—ideal for any meal.
Lemon Orzo is a bright, creamy, and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. Whether you're serving chicken, fish, or a veggie entrée, this orzo recipe adds a fresh lemony twist to your meal. It's light yet comforting, making it a versatile side for any occasion. Plus, it’s super quick to make—ideal for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without much fuss.
Why You'll Love This Lemon Orzo
This dish combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the rich creaminess of parmesan and heavy cream. The orzo pasta, toasted for extra flavor, soaks up the savory chicken broth to create a velvety texture that's irresistible. It’s simple, yet so satisfying—a side dish that everyone will want seconds of! 🍋🧀
Ingredients Explained
Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
Garlic: Adds depth and a slight bite to the dish.
Chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with savory flavor, making it more flavorful than cooking in water.
Heavy cream: Adds a rich, velvety texture to the orzo.
Parmesan: Aged parmesan gives the dish a salty, umami flavor that complements the lemon perfectly.
Lemon juice: Brightens the dish and gives it that refreshing zing.
Parsley: A pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.
Lemon Orzo Recipe
Ingredients:
1 tbsp salted butter
1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ cups chicken broth
Salt & pepper to taste
⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup grated parmesan
Fresh parsley for garnish
Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
Toast the Orzo: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the orzo and stir continuously for about 1 minute, allowing it to lightly toast.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and toast for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the orzo simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until the broth is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender.
Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and grated parmesan. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine.
Add Lemon: Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and give everything a final stir.
Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve: Enjoy your creamy lemon orzo as a perfect side dish for your main course!
Tips for Making the Perfect Lemon Orzo
Toasting the orzo: Don’t skip this step! Toasting gives the orzo a nutty flavor that makes the dish richer and more complex.
Don’t overcook: Stir frequently while simmering to make sure the orzo absorbs the broth evenly and doesn’t become mushy.
Cream and lemon balance: The addition of heavy cream gives the dish a luscious texture, while the lemon adds brightness to cut through the richness. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference.
Why This Lemon Orzo is the Perfect Side Dish
This lemon orzo recipe is light yet indulgent, making it a perfect side for heavier main dishes like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple baked fish. The lemon adds a brightness that cuts through the richness of cream and cheese, while the orzo pasta creates a hearty, filling base. It’s a great dish to whip up for any occasion—quick weeknight dinners or when you’re hosting and want to impress your guests with something flavorful and refreshing. It’s easy, versatile, and utterly delicious!
Lemon Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Toast the Orzo: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the orzo and stir continuously for about 1 minute, allowing it to lightly toast.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and toast for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the orzo simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until the broth is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and grated parmesan. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine.
- Add Lemon: Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and give everything a final stir.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve: Enjoy your creamy lemon orzo as a perfect side dish for your main course!
Notes
Tips for Making the Perfect Lemon Orzo
- Toasting the orzo: Don’t skip this step! Toasting gives the orzo a nutty flavor that makes the dish richer and more complex.
- Don’t overcook: Stir frequently while simmering to make sure the orzo absorbs the broth evenly and doesn’t become mushy.
- Cream and lemon balance: The addition of heavy cream gives the dish a luscious texture, while the lemon adds brightness to cut through the richness. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference.
Looking for the perfect side dish to elevate your meal? This creamy Lemon Orzo is a must-try! It’s quick, flavorful, and the perfect complement to your favorite main course. Don’t forget to share your creation and tag us in your photos! 🍋👩🍳
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