Creamy Lemon Orzo
This easy Creamy Lemon Orzo is a rich, creamy dish with bright lemon and fresh basil. This one-pan creamy lemon orzo is made in only 20 minutes! It is the perfect side dish or served alongside grilled chicken or steak.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Salted Butter
- 1 cup Onion (diced)
- 1 1/3 cups Orzo
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- 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)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat and add butter. Add onions and cook for about 5-6 minutes or until onions are tender and translucent.
- 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 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender (this may take longer depending on the size of the orzo) and most of the chicken broth has been absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and add parmesan cheese until it is melted. Stir in heavy cream, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil. Taste for seasonings and add salt and pepper as needed.
- 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.
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 366IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 1mg