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Creamy Lemon Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 51 reviews

Creamy Lemon Orzo is a comforting and tangy pasta dish featuring perfectly toasted orzo cooked in a rich mixture of chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Enhanced with sautéed shallots, garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese, this creamy and zesty side or main dish is quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 minced shallots
  • 1 ½ cups orzo
  • 3 minced cloves garlic

Liquids & Flavorings

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Finishing Touches

  • ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil

Instructions

  1. Sauté Shallots: Heat the 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the 2 minced shallots and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
  2. Toast Orzo: Add the 1 ½ cups of orzo to the pan. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes to lightly toast the orzo, enhancing its nutty flavor.
  3. Add Garlic and Lemon Zest: Stir in the 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper to the pan, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Simmer the Orzo: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the orzo for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed and creamy.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Basil: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle ½ cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil over the orzo. Stir gently to combine and serve immediately for a creamy, flavorful dish.

Notes

  • To keep the orzo from sticking, stir frequently during the simmering process.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • For extra creaminess, you can add a little more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese as desired.
  • Fresh basil adds brightness, but you can substitute with parsley if preferred.
  • Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste depending on how tangy you like the dish.

Keywords: Creamy Lemon Orzo, Orzo recipe, lemon pasta, Italian pasta dish, creamy pasta, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/creamy-lemon-orzo-recipe/