Creamy Garlic Lemon Orzo

This creamy garlic and lemon orzo is a quick and versatile side dish that brightens up any meal with its fresh citrus notes and rich Parmesan flavor. It cooks entirely in one pan making cleanup a breeze and leaving you with tender, flavorful orzo that’s perfect alongside chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.

I first made this dish to accompany lamb shanks and ever since it has become a goto for elevating simple weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: One tablespoon olive oil which provides a nice base fat and helps soften the onion
• Onion or shallot: Half an onion finely diced or one shallot for a more delicate flavor choose firm onions without soft spots
• Fresh garlic: Two to three cloves of fresh garlic minced adds that sharp aromatic punch fresh always beats jarred here
• Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon garlic powder enhances the overall garlic depth and layers of flavor
• Salt: Half a teaspoon salt to season and bring everything together
• Ground black pepper: Half a teaspoon ground black pepper for gentle heat and earthiness freshly ground is best
• Dry orzo pasta: One and a quarter cups dry orzo pasta about eight ounces look for quality orzo made from durum wheat for the best texture
• Chicken broth: Two and a half cups chicken broth provides the cooking liquid and imparts savory richness homemade or low sodium store bought work well
• Lemon zest: Zest from one lemon for bright citrus oils and aroma
• Fresh lemon juice: Three tablespoons fresh lemon juice adds tang and freshness that livens up the dish
• Parmesan cheese: One third cup grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess and umami freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully
• Butter: Two to three tablespoons butter finishes the dish with richness and that silky texture
• Fresh parsley: Fresh chopped parsley for garnish and a pop of color plus a little herbal freshness

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with high sides over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for two to three minutes until softened and translucent but not browned. Stir in the minced fresh garlic garlic powder salt and pepper and cook for an additional thirty seconds until fragrant and the garlic is just starting to cook but not burnt. This step builds the flavor base that you will taste throughout the dish.

Toast the Orzo:

Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it with the aromatics for about one to two minutes. Toasting the orzo lightly helps develop a nutty flavor and prevents it from being gummy after cooking. Make sure to stir frequently to avoid sticking or burning during this step.

Simmer the Orzo:

Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Increase the heat slightly to bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Let the orzo cook uncovered stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The orzo will absorb most of the broth and become tender in about ten minutes. If it looks too dry but the pasta is not fully cooked add a splash more water or broth to loosen the mixture.

Finish with Lemon and Cheese:

Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed stir in the lemon zest fresh lemon juice grated Parmesan cheese and butter. Stir gently to combine all these finishing ingredients until the cheese melts and the butter is fully incorporated creating a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving for a bright herbal note.

I remember the first time I served this to my family the tangy lemon and creamy texture had everyone asking for seconds

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating add a little chicken broth or water to loosen the orzo and stir gently over low heat to revive the creamy texture without drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken broth vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of bouillon cube works well. For a dairy free version substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute and omit the Parmesan or use a plant based cheese alternative. Shallots can replace the onion for a more subtle sweet flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This orzo pairs well with a range of proteins from grilled chicken breasts seared salmon to roasted pork. It also makes a flavorful bed for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to create a vegetarian main. Add a side of wilted spinach or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.

Finish by stirring in lemon zest lemon juice Parmesan and butter for a creamy bright side. It’s quick to make and elevates weeknight meals.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do you achieve a creamy texture in this orzo dish?

Simmering the orzo in broth until most liquid is absorbed, then stirring in butter and Parmesan, creates a rich and creamy consistency.

→ Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth works well and keeps the dish flavorful while making it suitable for vegetarian preferences.

→ What is the purpose of toasting the orzo before cooking?

Toasting the orzo adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps the pasta maintain texture during simmering.

→ How can I enhance the lemon flavor in this dish?

Add extra lemon zest or a splash more fresh lemon juice at the end for a brighter, more pronounced citrus note.

→ Are there any suggested additions to make this a full meal?

Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables like spinach and cherry tomatoes can turn it into a satisfying main course.