CREAMY LEMON ORZO PERFECTION

Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Do you crave something bright, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make? Then prepare to meet your new culinary obsession: the Best Orzo Dinner Recipe – Creamy Lemon Perfection! This dish is bursting with zesty lemon flavor, perfectly cooked orzo, and a luscious creamy sauce that will have everyone begging for seconds. Get ready to impress yourself (and your family!) with this simple yet utterly delicious meal.

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here is everything you’ll need to create this creamy lemon orzo masterpiece. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is short and sweet, promising a quick trip to the grocery store!

For the Creamy Lemon Orzo:

• Orzo Pasta: 1 pound (about 2 cups)
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Lemon: 1 large, zest and juice
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Yellow Onion: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Cooked Chicken Breast: 1 cup, diced
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/4 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• Spinach: 2 cups, fresh
• Asparagus: 1 cup, chopped

Step-by-Step to Creamy Lemon Bliss

Let’s get down to the fun part! I’ve broken down the steps to make this recipe incredibly simple, even for beginner cooks. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, so put on some music and let’s get started!

Getting Started:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Cooking the Orzo:

1. Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step adds a nutty flavor to the orzo.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Creating the Creamy Lemon Sauce:

1. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
2. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking!

Adding the Optional Extras (and Serving!):

1. If using, stir in any of the optional add-ins, such as cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus. Cook until heated through, if necessary.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
3. Enjoy your amazing Creamy Lemon Orzo!

The Secret to the Perfect Orzo Texture

Orzo can be a little tricky. Too mushy, and it’s no fun. Too hard, and it’s not pleasant. Here’s how I make sure it’s always perfect:

• Don’t Overcook It! The key is to cook it al dente, just like you would with any other pasta. It should have a slight bite to it.
• Watch the Liquid: Keep an eye on the amount of chicken broth. You want most of it to be absorbed, but not all. A little bit of residual liquid will help create the creamy sauce.
• Stir Occasionally: Stirring helps prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures even cooking.

Lemon: The Star of the Show

The lemon is what truly elevates this dish! Here’s how to get the most out of your citrus:

• Zest First: Always zest your lemon before juicing it. It’s much easier to zest a whole lemon than a juiced one.
• Don’t Over-Zest: Avoid zesting the white pith, as it can be bitter.
• Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare!

Creaminess Amplified: Tips for a Luscious Sauce

The creamy sauce is what makes this orzo dinner truly decadent. Here are my top tips for achieving maximum creaminess:

• Use Heavy Cream: While you can use half-and-half or milk, heavy cream will give you the richest and creamiest sauce.
• Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese and has a superior flavor.
• Don’t Overheat: Be careful not to overheat the sauce after adding the cream and Parmesan cheese, as it can cause it to curdle. Simmer over low heat and stir constantly.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to customize it to your liking with different proteins, vegetables, and cheeses. Here are a few ideas:

• Protein Power: Add grilled shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
• Veggie Variety: Use your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or goat cheese.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Perhaps you could create a variation similar to SAUSAGE ORZO PARADISE, using lemon as your primary flavor profile.

Pairing Perfection: What to Serve with Your Orzo

This creamy lemon orzo is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Grilled Chicken or Fish: A simple grilled protein is the perfect complement to the rich orzo.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness.
• Garlic Bread: A classic side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Side Salad: A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the creamy orzo.

Making it Ahead: Meal Prep Magic

Want to get a head start on dinner? You can prep some of the ingredients in advance. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. You can also cook the orzo ahead of time, but be sure to store it separately from the sauce to prevent it from becoming mushy. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the orzo and sauce and combine.

Love Orzo? Explore More Deliciousness!

If you’re as obsessed with orzo as I am, you’ll definitely want to check out these other amazing orzo recipes:

• For a cheesy, comforting meal, try the CHEESY CHICKEN ORZO.
• Craving something simple and satisfying? The CREAMY BUTTERED NOODLES & CHICKEN is a winner.
• For a cozy and comforting dish, try the CREAMY CHICKEN POT PIE ORZO.
• And if you’re in the mood for soup, the LEMON CHICKEN ORZO SOUP is a must-try!
• Don’t forget about Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo for an easy one-pan cleanup!

A Final Word of Encouragement

There you have it! Your guide to creating the Best Orzo Dinner Recipe – Creamy Lemon Perfection. I truly believe this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and make it your own! Cooking should be an adventure, and this orzo dish is the perfect starting point. Happy cooking, my friend!

Creamy Lemon Orzo Perfection

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Creamy Lemon Orzo Perfection is a bright and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s incredibly easy to make. Bursting with zesty lemon and a luscious creamy sauce, this dish is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Enjoy perfectly cooked orzo in a decadent parmesan cream sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-Inspired

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester
• juicer
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Grater
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound orzo pasta about 2 cups
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 large lemon, zest and juice
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step adds a nutty flavor to the orzo.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
• Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
• If using any optional add-ins (cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus), stir them in. Cook until heated through, if necessary.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Other optional add-ins include grilled shrimp, peas, bell peppers, or zucchini. To prevent the sauce from curdling, do not overheat it after adding the cream and Parmesan cheese; simmer over low heat and stir constantly.