Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make creamy lemon Parmesan orzo, gather these simple ingredients. The orzo pasta forms the base. Use vegetable broth to cook the pasta, which adds flavor. Heavy cream gives the dish its rich texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding depth. Minced garlic brings a savory note. Olive oil helps to sauté the garlic. Lemon zest and juice provide a bright twist. Finally, salt and pepper balance the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a touch of color to the final dish. These ingredients come together beautifully. They create a comforting meal that is quick to prepare. Enjoy this dish as a main course or a side. The creamy sauce and lemon flavor will delight your taste buds. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, I bring the vegetable broth to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan. This step is key because it helps the orzo cook evenly. Once the broth simmers, I add the orzo pasta. I cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. I stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. The goal is to have the orzo al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm. After the orzo is ready, I lower the heat. I then add the minced garlic and olive oil. I let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This softens the garlic and fills the kitchen with a lovely aroma. Next, I carefully pour in the heavy cream. I stir well to combine everything. I allow the mixture to heat gently for about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is important to avoid sticking. Now comes the fun part! I gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. I mix continuously until the cheese melts completely. This creates a rich and creamy sauce. Then, I add the lemon zest and lemon juice. This makes the dish bright and fresh. I taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Finally, I remove the saucepan from the heat. I let the orzo sit for one minute. This resting time helps thicken the dish. When I serve the creamy orzo, I like to garnish it with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness. To avoid clumping with Parmesan, use freshly grated cheese. Pre-packaged cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting well. When you add the cheese, do it slowly while stirring. This helps it blend smoothly into the sauce. Simmering the orzo is key. Bring your vegetable broth to a gentle simmer before adding the orzo. Stir occasionally during cooking. This keeps the pasta from sticking and helps it cook evenly. Aim for a tender bite, but don’t let it get mushy. Pair your creamy lemon Parmesan orzo with simple side dishes. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables work great. They add color and balance the rich flavors of the pasta. For an appealing plate, use a large bowl or plate. Spoon the orzo in the center, leaving space around the edges. Garnish with fresh parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can also enhance the look and flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of your sauce. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative, while still maintaining a creamy texture. Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding other ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or cooked chicken to enhance the dish and add more nutrients. Perfect Al Dente: To achieve the ideal orzo texture, be sure to check the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions indicate to prevent overcooking. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even heartier by adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. For chicken, use cooked and shredded pieces. Shrimp should be sautéed until pink and cooked through. Tofu can be cubed and pan-fried for a nice crunch. Each option adds flavor and makes the meal more filling. Adding seasonal veggies is a great way to boost nutrition. Spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers are perfect choices. You can stir in fresh spinach just before serving. It wilts quickly and adds color. Peas can be added when cooking the orzo. Roasted bell peppers bring a sweet taste. If you want to play with flavors, try different cheeses. Feta adds a tangy taste that pairs well with lemon. Goat cheese can give a creamy and slightly tart flavor. For a sharper bite, use aged cheddar. Each cheese brings a unique twist to the dish, making it fun to experiment. To keep your creamy lemon parmesan orzo fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The orzo will stay good for about three days. When ready to eat, check for any off smells before warming. If you want to freeze your orzo, it’s best to do this right after cooking. Let it cool completely before packing it in freezer-safe bags. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, add a bit of water or broth in a pan on low heat. Stir gently until warmed through. Enjoy your creamy delight even after a long day! To keep orzo from clumping, stir it often while it cooks. This simple step helps separate the pasta. Use enough broth, too. The liquid should fully cover the orzo as it cooks. Once the orzo is done, drain any extra liquid. Adding a splash of olive oil can also help keep it loose. Yes, you can use any broth you like! Vegetable broth works well, but chicken or beef broth can add more flavor. Just make sure to adjust the salt as needed. Each broth gives a unique taste to the dish. Feel free to experiment based on what you have at home. Pair this creamy orzo with fresh salads or steamed veggies. A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch. Grilled asparagus or roasted broccoli also work nicely. You can serve it with protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, for a full meal. Garlic bread is another tasty option for extra flavor. Leftovers of Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you reheat it, add a splash of cream or broth to help it regain its creamy texture. This dish is still tasty even after a few days! This blog post covered how to make a delicious creamy lemon Parmesan orzo dish. You learned the needed ingredients and easy steps for cooking. We explored tips for perfect texture and serving ideas. Variations let you customize flavors and add protein or veggies. Proper storage tips ensure your leftovers last longer. Enjoy making this dish! It’s a great blend of flavors and textures. Try it today for a tasty meal.$

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo

A delightful dish that perfectly balances the richness of cream and cheese with the zesty brightness of lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
Once the orzo reaches the desired texture, reduce the heat to low. Add in the minced garlic and olive oil, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Carefully pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to heat through gently for about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted completely.
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing thoroughly to incorporate the bright flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the orzo sit for one minute to thicken slightly.
Serve the creamy orzo warm, elegantly garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Keyword creamy, lemon, orzo, Parmesan