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–+ servings
A close-up of creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo topped with grated cheese and fresh basil.

Lemon Parmesan Orzo

This recipe adapts a family tradition, swapping rice for gluten-free orzo to create a bright and rich pasta dish. It combines zesty lemon with savory Parmesan for a satisfying meal that honors tradition while meeting modern dietary needs.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 244
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Orzo
  • 2 Tablespoons Salted Butter
  • 1 cup Onion diced
  • 1 1/3 cups Orzo
  • 2 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth
Finishing Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese good-quality
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Zest
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice add more for more lemon flavor
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil chopped
  • to taste Salt and Pepper

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan

Method
 

  1. Heat a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat and add butter. Add onions and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes or until onions are tender and translucent.
  2. Add the orzo and toast for 2 minutes. Add garlic. Add in chicken broth and reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the chicken broth has been absorbed.
  3. Remove from the heat and add parmesan cheese until it is melted. Stir in heavy cream, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil.
  4. Taste for seasonings and add salt and pepper as needed.
  5. For extra creaminess, stir in some salted butter right before serving and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the orzo. For extra lemon flavor, garnish with lemon zest.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 605mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 366IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Add more lemon juice and lemon zest to taste.
If you need to reheat the creamy orzo, add some chicken broth and heavy cream since the orzo pasta will soak up all of the liquids.

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