Imagine a dish so creamy, so tantalizing, that it transforms an ordinary pasta side into a culinary masterpiece. Our Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with delight! In just 20 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy side dish that's impossibly easy and guaranteed to impress everyone at your table. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this Italian-inspired recipe will elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with the vegetable broth and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the orzo for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The consistency should be creamy and slightly al dente.
- Remove the pan from heat and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to be absorbed.
- Add butter to the hot orzo, stirring until it melts completely and coats the pasta evenly.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese and zest the lemon directly into the pasta, mixing thoroughly to distribute the ingredients.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the orzo, stirring to incorporate the bright citrus flavor.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the orzo to a serving dish, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Use high-quality vegetable broth for maximum flavor depth. Homemade is best, but a good store-bought brand works wonderfully.
- Stir the orzo frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The key is a creamy, not gummy, texture.
- For extra richness, consider using half butter and half olive oil when finishing the dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference compared to pre-packaged varieties. Invest in a good wedge and grate it yourself.
- Zest the lemon before juicing to make the process easier and capture maximum citrus essence.
- Let the orzo rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow it to absorb remaining liquid and develop a perfect consistency.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables to make this a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
