Best 3 Creamy Lemon Orzo Recipes

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Looking for a quick and easy pasta recipe that is packed with flavor? Look no further than creamy lemon orzo! This satisfying and delicious dish features orzo pasta tossed in a velvety cream sauce infused with the brightness of lemon, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this creamy and tangy pasta sensation. In this article, we will take you through the steps to create the ultimate creamy lemon orzo, ensuring that every bite is a culinary delight.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY LEMON HERB ORZO



Creamy Lemon Herb Orzo image

Orzo pasta is combined with garlic, butter, cream, herbs and parmesan cheese in this simple but delicious side dish that goes with almost any meal.

Provided by Danelle

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup orzo pasta
1/4 cup butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
4-6 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh herbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions until just al dente, about 7 minutes; drain.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook until tender, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the cooked orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest and 4 tablespoons of cream. Add the additional 2 tablespoons cream if desired.
  • Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190 calories, Carbohydrate 12 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 41 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 14 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 4 grams protein, SaturatedFat 9 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 191 milligrams sodium, Sugar 1 grams sugar, TransFat 1 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams unsaturated fat

CREAMY LEMON ORZO WITH WINTER GREENS



Creamy Lemon Orzo with Winter Greens image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Cook 2 cups sliced Tuscan kale in olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, 2 minutes. Add 2 sliced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute; season with salt and pepper. Add 2 cups vegetable broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream; bring to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup orzo and cook 9 minutes. Stir in 3 ounces baby spinach. Turn off the heat; stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon each lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.

LEMON PARMESAN ORZO



Lemon Parmesan Orzo image

A splash of lemon and a shower of chopped parsley make this orzo one of my family's most-requested sides. It's fantastic with chicken, pork and fish. -Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Transfer to a small bowl; drizzle with oil. Stir in remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 225mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and a good quality olive oil will make a big difference in the taste of your creamy lemon orzo.
  • Cook the orzo al dente: Orzo should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the orzo, be sure to use a large enough pan so that the orzo has plenty of room to move around. Overcrowding the pan will prevent the orzo from cooking evenly.
  • Use a flavorful broth: The broth you use to cook the orzo will add a lot of flavor to the dish. Use a good quality vegetable or chicken broth, or even a combination of the two.
  • Add the lemon and herbs at the end: Lemon and herbs are best added at the end of the cooking process so that they retain their bright flavor. If you add them too early, they will lose their potency.
  • Serve immediately: Creamy lemon orzo is best served immediately after it is made. The orzo will start to absorb the sauce and become mushy if it sits for too long.

Conclusion:

Creamy lemon orzo is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. With its creamy sauce, bright lemon flavor, and tender orzo, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give creamy lemon orzo a try.

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