Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Orzo is a quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender orzo cooked in broth, then tossed in a fragrant lemon garlic butter sauce finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect as a light main or a zesty side, it combines creamy, bright, and savory notes in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Finishing Ingredients
- 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
- Boil the broth: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat to create a flavorful cooking base.
- Add the orzo: Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Reduce heat to a gentle boil and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is al dente.
- Drain excess liquid: If any broth remains after cooking, carefully drain it using a colander and set the cooked orzo aside.
- Heat the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it foams slightly, preparing the base for the sauce.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the 3 minced garlic cloves to the melted butter and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add lemon zest and juice: Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon, blending well to brighten the garlic butter mixture.
- Combine with orzo: Immediately add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Add cheese and parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Season to taste: Adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference, tasting for balance.
- Serve warm: Transfer the Lemon Garlic Butter Orzo to serving plates, garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra brightness, serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth based on preference or dietary needs.
- Make sure not to overcook the orzo to maintain a pleasant al dente texture.
- The dish pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
- To keep it gluten-free, use a gluten-free orzo alternative made from rice or corn.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Butter Orzo, orzo pasta recipe, lemon pasta, garlic butter pasta, easy side dish, Italian pasta side, quick pasta recipe
