Description
This One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta is a quick and easy dish that combines tender orzo pasta with garlic, butter, and a bright burst of fresh lemon juice. Creamy with Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a fast weeknight meal or a light side dish, made all in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta (about 278 grams)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2½ cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ⅓ cup cream (heavy cream recommended for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Toast the Orzo: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the orzo and minced garlic, stirring frequently. Toast for 1-2 minutes until the orzo is lightly golden and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the low sodium vegetable or chicken broth, then season with salt and cracked black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the pasta simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender, about 10 minutes. If the pasta needs more cooking and liquid evaporates, add a splash more broth as needed.
- Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Lemon: Stir in the cream, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley until well blended. Gradually add lemon juice, tasting to achieve your preferred level of brightness and tang. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or light cream for a lighter consistency.
- Parsley can be substituted with basil or cilantro for a different herbal note.
- Adjust lemon juice incrementally to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Low sodium broth helps control salt levels; adjust salt accordingly based on broth choice.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast respectively.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: one pot pasta, lemon orzo, quick pasta recipe, creamy lemon pasta, one skillet meal, easy dinner, lemon garlic pasta
