Garlic Butter Lemon Orzo with Parmesan – Easy 20-Minute Recipe
Garlic Butter Lemon Orzo with Parmesan is a quick and versatile Italian-inspired dish that blends tender orzo pasta with rich garlic butter, fresh lemon zest and juice, and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a light main or a flavorful side, this comforting recipe takes just 20 minutes and pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner / Side
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Orzo
- 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
For Finishing
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter and oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat until melted and combined.
- Toast orzo: Add the minced garlic and cook gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors from the butter and oil.
- Simmer in broth: Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add additional broth if the pasta begins to dry out too fast.
- Finish with lemon and parmesan: Stir in the zest and juice of half a lemon, then remove the pan from heat and fold in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the orzo rest for a minute before serving warm.
Notes
- Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
- Keep heat gentle to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add additional broth if the orzo thickens too quickly during cooking.
- Zest the lemon before juicing to maximize flavor.
- Serve warm for best taste and texture.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Lemon Orzo, Parmesan Orzo, Quick Italian Side Dish, Easy Orzo Recipe, Lemon Pasta, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner
