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Lemon Orzo Recipe
4.9 from 36 votes

Lemon Orzo Recipe

The easiest orzo recipe made with tender orzo pasta, bright lemon, flavorful broth, vibrant garlic, rich olive oil, and bold parmesan. And you can have it ready in under 20 minutes!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil divided
  • 2 tsp minced garlic 2 cloves, fresh
  • 2 2/3 cups chicken broth then more as needed, low-sodium
  • salt to taste
  • 1 1/2 tsp lemon divided, zest
  • 8 oz (1 1/3 cups) orzo pasta dry
  • 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan Cheese
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
  • 1 Tbsp minced parsley optional for garnish, fresh

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat. Add garlic and saute 20 seconds or until fragrant and just barely deepening in color (not browning).
  2. Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo, 3/4 tsp lemon zest and salt to taste then reduce heat to medium-low.
  3. Let simmer until orzo is tender, stirring once halfway through, about 10 minutes total. If needed add a little more chicken broth if it's becoming dry.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil, remaining 3/4 tsp lemon zest, parmesan, and pepper. Garnish with parsley if desired.