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Creamy Lemon Orzo
This easy Creamy Lemon Orzo is a rich, creamy dish with bright lemon and fresh basil. This one-pan creamy lemon orzo is made in only 20 minutes! It is the perfect side dish or served alongside grilled chicken or steak.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 244 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 1 1/3 cups orzo
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (good-quality)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice (add more for more lemon flavor)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- salt and 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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Add more lemon juice and lemon zest to taste.
- If you need to reheat the creamy orzo, add some chicken broth and heavy cream since the orzo pasta will soak up all of the liquids.
Nutrition Information
Calories
244kcal
(12%)
Carbohydrates
29g
(10%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
29mg
(10%)
Sodium
605mg
(25%)
Potassium
164mg
(5%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
366IU
(7%)
Vitamin C
4mg
(4%)
Calcium
127mg
(13%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 244
% 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.