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Lemon Garlic Butter Orzo

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian (if made with vegetable broth)

Description

Lemon Garlic Butter Orzo is a bright, cozy side dish that comes together in minutes but tastes like something from your favorite bistro. Tender, silky orzo is tossed with fragrant garlic, melted butter, and plenty of fresh lemon for a zesty finish, then rounded out with Parmesan and herbs. It’s simple, elegant, and endlessly versatile equally at home next to roast chicken, seafood, or a pile of roasted veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: extra lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the orzo pasta, reduce heat to a gentle boil, and cook according to package directions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Drain any excess liquid if needed, then set the cooked orzo aside.
  4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  5. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden do not let it brown or burn.
  6. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then immediately add the cooked orzo to the skillet.
  7. Toss well so the orzo is thoroughly coated in the lemon garlic butter mixture.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley until evenly distributed and creamy.
  9. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

Notes

  • For extra lemon flavor, start with all the zest and half the juice, then add more juice to taste at the end.
  • If using salted butter or a salty broth, reduce added salt and adjust only at the very end.
  • Reserve a few tablespoons of hot pasta cooking liquid before draining; you can use it to loosen the orzo if it gets too thick or sticky.
  • This dish thickens slightly as it cools; a splash of warm broth or water will bring it back to a silky texture when reheating.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded for the best melt and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 320 kcal (approximate)
  • Sugar: 2 g (approximate)
  • Sodium: 420 mg (approximate, varies with broth and cheese)
  • Fat: 12 g (approximate)
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g (approximate)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g (approximate)
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g (approximate)
  • Fiber: 2 g (approximate)
  • Protein: 11 g (approximate)
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg (approximate)

Keywords: lemon garlic orzo, butter orzo, easy side dish, parmesan orzo, lemon herb pasta

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/lemon-garlic-butter-orzo/