Lemon Orzo with Parmesan, Kale, and Cherry Tomatoes
User Reviews
5
Lemon Orzo with Parmesan, Kale, and Cherry Tomatoes
Description
This recipe begins by cooking orzo until al dente, then draining it. While the pasta cooks, shallots are minced and sautéed in oil until tender, then seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lemon juice and vegetable broth are added to create a lightly flavored sauce.
Wilted kale is stirred in with the cooked orzo, allowing some broth to absorb into the pasta. Cherry tomatoes, fresh Parmesan, and butter are incorporated last to add richness and freshness. The dish is finished by adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Optional lemon wedges can add extra citrus brightness when served.
With its combination of pasta, vegetables, and cheese, this lemon orzo dish works well as a light main or a side. The tender kale softens without losing color, and the juicy tomatoes offer a contrast to the creamy butter and tangy lemon. Fresh Parmesan ties the ingredients together with a mild umami character.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta dry
- ½ tsp neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 1 shallot
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ½ lemon , juiced
- 3 TBSP butter unsalted
- 1.5 oz Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 12 cherry tomato
- 2 cups kale , cleaned and chopped
- ¼ cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, approx 7-9 minutes. Drain orzo in a wire-mesh strainer and set aside.
- While orzo cooks chop kale, halve or quarter cherry tomatoes, and mince shallot.
- Next heat a pan to medium heat with ½ teaspoon olive oil. Add minced shallot to hot pan and stir often until tender, approx. 4-6 minutes.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper (to taste) and add lemon juice and broth.
- Add orzo and kale and mix well until kale has wilted and some of the liquid has been absorbed into the pasta. Stir in tomatoes, Parmesan and butter, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste.
- Optional: serve with lemon wedges to add an extra burst of citrus flavor, if you'd like! Enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition information is estimated and can be adjusted based on ingredient quantities used.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 367 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 367kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 253mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 450mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 3976IU | 80% |
| Vitamin C | 59mg | 66% |
| Calcium | 200mg | 20% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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