One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta Recipe
A creamy, flavorful one-pot lemon orzo pasta that combines tender orzo with garlic, butter, cream, Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a bright splash of lemon juice. This easy and comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple yet elegant side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta (about 278 grams)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2½ cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ⅓ cup cream (any kind — heavy cream will give richer flavor, light cream will be a bit thinner)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Toast the Orzo and Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the orzo pasta and finely minced garlic, toasting them for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the orzo is lightly golden.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the low sodium vegetable or chicken broth, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the pasta simmer, stirring often, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is cooked to your liking, about 10 minutes. If the pasta needs more cooking but the liquid has evaporated, add a splash more broth as needed.
- Finish with Cream, Cheese, Parsley, and Lemon: Stir in the cream, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley until the sauce is creamy and well blended. Gradually add the lemon juice while tasting, adjusting to your preferred level of brightness and acidity. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use low sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Heavy cream adds a richer, creamier texture, but light cream can be used for a lighter result.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with olive oil and coconut cream, and omit the Parmesan.
- If you want to add protein, cooked chicken or shrimp pair nicely with this dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred over pre-grated for better flavor and texture.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
Keywords: one pot pasta, lemon orzo, creamy orzo, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, lemon pasta
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/one-pot-lemon-orzo-pasta-recipe/
