Description
This creamy, one-pot orzo is cooked in broth with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan for a luscious, risotto-like texture. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s the perfect comforting yet bright side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Extra Parmesan and herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
- Add the orzo and stir to coat in the garlic butter. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo turns golden and smells nutty.
- Pour in the broth and water. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add 2-3 tablespoons warm water or broth if it looks dry before the orzo is cooked.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream until combined.
- Add the grated Parmesan and stir continuously for about 30 seconds until melted and creamy. Add a tablespoon of warm water or broth if too thick.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the orzo rest off the heat for 2-3 minutes. Serve garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Notes
Toast the orzo properly for depth of flavor. Grate your own Parmesan to avoid clumping. Add lemon at the end to preserve brightness. Adjust salt based on broth sodium. If leftovers thicken, stir in warm broth or milk when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: lemon garlic orzo, one-pot orzo, creamy orzo, Parmesan orzo, easy side dish, 25-minute recipe