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orzo recipe - A close-up of fresh lemon herb orzo in a bowl, garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge.

Lemon Herb Orzo

A vibrant and easy lemon herb orzo recipe that makes a perfect quick side dish or a light meal. Infused with fresh lemon zest, juice, parsley, and dill, this orzo is bursting with refreshing flavor.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (about 170g) orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 large lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and do not rinse.
Step 2: While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn.
Step 3: Add the drained orzo to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the orzo is lightly coated.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Then, gently fold in the finely chopped fresh parsley and dill.
Step 5: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the orzo and stir until it melts and is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 6: Season the lemon herb orzo generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and serve immediately. This orzo recipe is delicious warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh herbs. This orzo recipe can be made ahead and enjoyed cold as a pasta salad, or reheated gently with a splash of vegetable broth or water.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dishes
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 12mg

Keywords: orzo recipe, lemon orzo, herb orzo, easy pasta recipe, side dish, mediterranean orzo, quick dinner, vegetarian orzo, fresh orzo, lemon herb pasta

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