This Lemon Orzo Pasta is slightly creamy and full of bright lemon flavor. It’s easy to make in one pot in 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
This lemon orzo recipe is an easy and delicious one-pot dinner or side dish. This spring, it has become one of my favorite weeknight meals. It requires only 10 ingredients, can be prepared in 20 minutes, and best of all, it’s a popular dish that the whole family, including kids, can enjoy!
What I love about this lemon orzo pasta is that it’s bright, refreshing, and creamy without being creamy at all. The starch of orzo and a hint of Parmesan cheese create a comforting texture, while fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and herbs add a tangy flavor.
I often mix this lemon orzo with chickpeas and sautéed asparagus to make it a standalone meal, but it also works great as a side. A variety of delicious recipes to keep in your back pocket!
Lemon Orzo Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this easy lemon orzo recipe:
- orzo, of course! If you’re not familiar, orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta from Italy. Because the pasta shape is so small, the cooking time is very quick, making it one of my favorite starches to reach for on weeknights. Orzo is traditionally made with semolina and/or durum wheat, but if you’re gluten-free, feel free to substitute your favorite gluten-free orzo.
- Unsalted butter or olive oil – For abundance.
- vegetable broth – This helps the orzo to soften as it cooks. Use store-bought or make vegetable stock at home.
- garlic – For depth of savory flavor.
- pea – Adds a satisfying texture and sweet flavor to lemon orzo recipes. I use frozen peas for convenience. If you have one, you can replace it with a new one.
- Lemon juice and zest – If you want a bright and intense taste! For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- parmesan cheese – It adds a nutty, nutty flavor and makes the orzo lightly creamy.
- fresh herbs – For decoration. Finish the pasta with a sprinkling of fresh parsley, basil, and/or fresh dill.
- and salt and pepper – To make every flavor stand out!
Find the full measured recipe below.
How to Make Lemon Orzo
Again, this lemon orzo recipe is easy to make. One pot! Here’s how to proceed:
First, bake the orzo. Heat butter or olive oil in a medium Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the orzo and cook until fragrant and browned in places, about 2 minutes.
Then bring to a boil. Add broth, garlic, salt, and pepper to pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to continue simmering, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Add the peas (I don’t even thaw them first!) and cook until cooked through.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, zest, Parmesan cheese, and half of the herbs. Stir until the cheese melts.
- tip: The orzo should have a slightly creamy texture, similar to risotto. If it gets too dry, add a little more broth as needed to keep it creamy. I almost always add 1/2 to 1 cup more before serving!
Season to taste and serve. Top with remaining herbs and more cheese, if desired. take pleasure in!
Recipe Variations
- Add protein. Stir in 1 cup cooked chickpeas or white beans.
- Add vegetables. Mix in some sautéed asparagus or steamed broccoli for texture. Alternatively, when adding the peas, add fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
- Try changing the cheese. Use pecorino or feta cheese instead of palm cheese.
- Top it with sauce. Serve with a dollop of pesto on top.
offer suggestions
My family loves this Lemon Orzo Pasta as a main dish on busy weeknights. I add the chickpeas and greens directly to the orzo or serve it with a green salad, grilled asparagus, and/or roasted broccolini on the side.
This lemon orzo recipe also makes a great side dish. Enjoy with grilled cauliflower steak or a simple cooked protein!
How to Store Lemon Orzo
- In the refrigerator: Let the lemon orzo cool completely and then seal it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the microwave or overnight in the refrigerator.
- To reheat: The orzo will thicken as it sits. Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding water or broth as needed, stirring to achieve a creamy consistency.
More Orzo Recipes to Try
If you love lemon orzo pasta, try one of these delicious orzo recipes.
Lemon Orzo Recipe
serve 4
This Lemon Orzo Pasta is a quick and easy one-pot dinner or side dish! Perfect for a weeknight. Lightly creamy and full of bright lemon flavor. Feel free to add your favorite protein or vegetables!
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Melt the butter in a large pot or medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the orzo and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.
Add 3 cups of broth, garlic, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Add peas and cook for 2 more minutes or until cooked through.
Remove from heat, add lemon juice and zest, Parmesan cheese, and half of the herbs, and stir until cheese is melted. Season to taste, stirring in more broth as needed to keep the orzo lightly creamy.
Serve topped with remaining herbs and more cheese, if desired.
*Nutrients are calculated for 1/4 recipe. The actual sodium content will vary depending on the brand of vegetable broth you use.
