Orzo pasta is combined with garlic, butter, cream, herbs and parmesan cheese in this simple but delicious side dish that goes with almost any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I often spend so much time on my main dish that I completely neglect to make a side dish. Which is why I love easy sides like this Creamy Lemon Herb Orzo.
It’s a savory side dish only takes about ten minutes from start to finish, and my whole family loves it. And when I say they love it, I mean they really love it!
My youngest would eat this orzo every day if I let him, and I’m pretty sure when he heads off to college in a few years it will be a staple of his diet.
Sometimes he even puts this creamy pasta in a thermos to keep it warm and takes it for school lunch or on camping trips.
This orzo could even pass as a nice light lunch or dinner with some grilled veggies or a salad. And it goes perfectly with almost any grilled meat–pork, chicken, or beef.
You can use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand in this recipe–parsley, thyme and oregano are some of my favorites. And a little extra parmesan cheese never hurt anything.
Just be sure not to overcook the orzo, since it will continue cooking when you return it to the pan with the lemon juice and cream.
Every one needs a go-to side dish in their recipe repertoire, and this Creamy Lemon Herb Orzo is mine. It’s delicious, easy to make, and even the pickiest eaters love it.
Be sure to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Ingredients
- Orzo pasta
- Butter
- Produce: garlic, lemons, fresh herbs
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Creamy Lemon Herb Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4-6 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh herbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package directions until just al dente, about 7 minutes; drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook until tender, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest and 4 tablespoons of cream. Add the additional 2 tablespoons cream if desired.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Nutrition
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3 comments
Joanne
I have made this recipe twice now and could literally eat it every day of my life. It is much like risotto but not as heavy. So fresh and delicious.
Kallie Swenson
This was a hit! I made this for a murder mystery dinner I hosted. I had several people ask about the recipe! You can read about the murder mystery party and see your featured recipe in the latest post! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Jean
Every ingredient in this dish, I love! Will give this a try! Thank you!!!