Lemon Parmesan Orzo

Name: Lemon Parmesan Orzo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Creamy orzo pasta with bright lemon, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. A quick, flavorful side or vegetarian main.

20 minEasyServes 4310 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanDinnerStovetopVegetarianAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1

In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
2

Add the 1 cup orzo pasta to the boiling broth and stir once. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3

Remove from heat and stir in the 1 tbsp butter until melted.
4

Add the juice and zest from the 1 juiced and zested lemon, the grated 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
5

Stir until well combined and the mixture becomes creamy. If too dry, add a splash more broth or water.
6

Serve immediately while warm, with additional Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

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Questions

What can I use instead of Parmesan in Lemon Parmesan Orzo?

The entry for Lemon Parmesan Orzo calls for 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated. In its place: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, measure for measure. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast at half the volume.

Can I make Lemon Parmesan Orzo gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Lemon Parmesan Orzo is 1 cup orzo pasta. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

Is Lemon Parmesan Orzo vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated and 1 tbsp butter. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dinner collection.

How many calories are in Lemon Parmesan Orzo?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 310 calories, with 12 g protein, 34 g carbohydrate and 11 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 520 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How do I store and reheat Lemon Parmesan Orzo?

Refrigerate what is left of Lemon Parmesan Orzo within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. The pasta keeps drinking the sauce as it sits; loosen it with a splash of water or stock.

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