Description
This Creamy Lemon Orzo is a luscious, tangy pasta dish featuring tender orzo cooked in a rich blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and fresh lemon juice. Enhanced with fragrant shallots, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, it’s the perfect comfort meal with a bright citrus twist, ready in just 25 minutes and serving 6.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 minced shallots
- 1 ½ cups orzo
- 3 minced cloves garlic
Liquid Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots: Heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced shallots and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes until the shallots are translucent and aromatic.
- Toast Orzo: Add 1 ½ cups of orzo to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. This toasts the orzo lightly to build a nutty flavor without browning it excessively.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in 3 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon lemon zest, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Then whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking as the orzo cooks and the liquid reduces to a creamy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Once the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Sprinkle ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil on top. Stir gently and serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- To enhance the lemon flavor, garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.
- Stir frequently during simmering to avoid the orzo sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
