Creamy Lemon Orzo Pasta: Zesty, Easy Dinner (Print Version)

Lemon Orzo Pasta: A delicious, creamy, and easy weeknight meal! Brighten your table with this zesty, comforting dish youll love.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Orzo & Dairy Base

01 - 1 cup orzo pasta
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Fresh Flavors

04 - 2 fresh lemons (zest of 2, juice of 1-2, to taste)

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

08 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get a big pot of water boiling. And I mean BIG, hon. Add a generous pinch of salt – your pasta water should taste like the sea, or at least a really salty soup. This is where your orzo gets its initial flavor. Pop in your orzo and cook it according to package directions, aiming for al dente. This is crucial for our Creamy Lemon Orzo Pasta! Before you drain, scoop out about a cup and a half of that starchy pasta water. Seriously, don't forget this part; it's the secret sauce for later!
02 - While your orzo is bubbling away, grab a large skillet or a Dutch oven – something with some space. Melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. Oh, that smell! It's one of my favorite kitchen scents. Sauté for just a minute or so until it's fragrant, but don't let it brown, or it'll taste bitter. We're looking for sweet, gentle garlic here.
03 - Now for the star of our Lemon Orzo Pasta. Add the lemon zest to the skillet with the garlic. Stir it around for another 30 seconds. This really wakes up the lemon oils and infuses them into the butter. Next, pour in the fresh lemon juice. Give it a good swirl. You’ll smell that bright, tangy aroma immediately, and it just makes you feel happy, doesn't it?
04 - Reduce the heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir it gently to combine with the lemon and garlic. Let it warm through for a minute or two, just until it's slightly thickened. This is where the magic starts happening for our Creamy Lemon Orzo Pasta. Season this sauce with a good pinch of salt and a generous grind of fresh black pepper. Taste it! Adjust as needed – remember, you're the chef here!
05 - Drain your al dente orzo (remember you saved that pasta water, right?). Add the cooked orzo directly into the skillet with your creamy lemon sauce. Toss everything together really well, making sure every tiny grain of orzo is coated in that lusciousness. If it looks a little too thick, start adding your reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency. This is where it goes from good to 'oh my gosh, what is this deliciousness?'
06 - Stir in about half of your grated Parmesan cheese and half of your fresh chopped parsley. Give it one final, gentle toss. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even more decadent. Taste one last time and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve your Creamy Lemon Orzo Pasta immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan, more fresh parsley, and maybe another little sprinkle of lemon zest for extra sparkle. So simple, so satisfying!

# Notes:

01 - Always, *always* reserve some pasta water. It’s the secret to a silky, emulsified sauce. I learned this the hard way trying to "fix" a dry sauce with plain water once – big mistake, watery mess!
02 - Fresh lemon zest and juice make all the difference. Bottled stuff just tastes flat and metallic. Invest in good, fresh lemons for this Lemon Orzo Pasta, it's worth it!
03 - Don't overcook the orzo! It'll turn to mush and lose that delightful texture. Al dente is key for this dish to shine.
04 - Serve with a crisp white wine and a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - large skillet or Dutch oven
03 - grater
04 - whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 15g

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