Creamy Lemon Orzo
User Reviews
5
Creamy Lemon Orzo
Description
Creamy Lemon Orzo starts by gently cooking diced onions in butter until translucent, then toasting orzo pasta briefly before simmering it in chicken broth with garlic. The absorption cooking method softens the orzo while infusing it with savory background flavors. Once fully cooked, Parmesan cheese is stirred in to melt and enrich the dish, followed by heavy cream and lemon components that brighten and smooth the texture.
The lemon zest and juice provide a fresh citrus edge that contrasts the richness of the cream and cheese, while chopped basil adds herbal fragrance. The orzo maintains a tender bite, coated in a luxuriously creamy sauce with subtle tanginess.
Serve this lemon orzo alongside poultry, seafood, or vegetable dishes where its creamy and zesty profile complements rather than overwhelms. It can also be enjoyed as a standalone meal for a lighter option.
For reheating, adding liquid like chicken broth and cream helps restore the creamy consistency as the orzo absorbs sauces during storage.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter salted
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 1 1/3 cups orzo
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (good-quality)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest fresh
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice add more for more lemon flavor, fresh
- 2 Tablespoons basil chopped, fresh
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat and add butter. Add onions and cook for about 5-6 minutes or until onions are tender and translucent.
- Add the orzo and toast for 2 minutes. Add garlic. Add in chicken broth and reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender (this may take longer depending on the size of the orzo) and most of the chicken broth has been absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and add parmesan cheese until it is melted. Stir in heavy cream, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil. Taste for seasonings and add salt and pepper as needed.
- For extra creaminess, stir in some salted butter right before serving and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the orzo. For extra lemon flavor, garnish with lemon zest.
Notes
- Add extra lemon juice or zest to adjust the citrus brightness to your liking.
- When reheating, incorporate some chicken broth and heavy cream to restore the creamy texture since orzo absorbs liquids as it cools.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 244 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 244kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 29mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 605mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 164mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 366IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 127mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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