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One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta

One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta

Lemon Orzo Pasta is a vibrant, one-pot dish that perfectly balances bright citrus flavors with creamy textures. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings, this recipe showcases the zesty taste of fresh lemon paired with garlic and parmesan.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2½ cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅓ cup cream (heavy or light)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Melt the salted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the uncooked orzo and minced garlic; toast for about 1-2 minutes until golden.
  3. Stir in the broth, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until most liquid is absorbed (about 10 minutes), adding more broth if needed.
  5. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Gradually add lemon juice to taste before serving warm.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 245g)
  • Calories: 315
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 570mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, mix in fresh vegetables like spinach or peas. Experiment with different cheeses such as feta for unique flavor profiles. This dish can be easily made vegetarian by using vegetable broth.