Dinner

Garlic Butter Lemon Orzo with Parmesan – Easy 20-Minute Recipe

Name: Garlic Butter Lemon Orzo with Parmesan – Easy 20-Minute Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of ½ lemon; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Optional fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Byreem everly January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

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Introduction

Garlic Butter Lemon Orzo with Parmesan is a light, comforting dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Bright lemon and rich garlic butter combine with tender orzo and parmesan to create a versatile side or main that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

A white bowl filled with cooked orzo pasta, pale yellow in color with a slightly glossy texture, mixed with small pieces of green herbs scattered evenly throughout. On top of the orzo, there are fine shreds of white cheese and small specks of red pepper flakes with some bright yellow lemon zest sprinkled, adding color contrast. The bowl is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Heat butter and olive oil in a medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the butter.
Step 4: Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Reduce heat and cook, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
Step 7: Remove from heat and fold in parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let rest for a minute, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking and to avoid scorching the garlic.
Add a splash of broth if the orzo thickens too quickly during cooking.
Zest the lemon before juicing to capture the best flavor.
For a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
Stir in fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and flavor.
Use dairy-free butter and plant-based cheese to make this dish vegan.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the orzo and maintain its creamy texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with orzo pasta, cooked and mixed with finely chopped green herbs scattered evenly throughout. The pasta is light golden in color with a slightly glossy texture from oil or butter, and small bits of grated white cheese and yellow lemon zest are sprinkled on top. The surface is clean white marble, and the bowl is viewed from above, showing the uniform mix of ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats well. Reheat gently with a bit of broth to keep it creamy and prevent sticking.

Is orzo pasta or rice?

Orzo is a type of pasta that is shaped like rice but cooks more quickly like other small pasta shapes.

Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based butter and skip the parmesan or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.

What proteins pair well with this?

Chicken, shrimp, salmon, and grilled vegetables are all great options to serve alongside Garlic Butter Lemon Orzo.

reem everly