Lemon Parmesan Orzo
from kristineskitchenblog.com
This Lemon Parmesan Orzo is one of our favorite side dishes! It's easy to make and so flavorful, with fresh lemon, garlic and parmesan cheese. I like to serve it alongside chicken or fish for dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 236kcal
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup finely chopped shallot
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups (10.5 ounces) dry orzo pasta
- 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth not low sodium (see note), or vegetable broth
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup (30g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 ounces)
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach loosely packed
- zest of one medium lemon
Heat the butter in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat until melted. Add the shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until softened. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
2 tablespoons butter, ½ cup finely chopped shallot, 3 cloves garlic
Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth and pepper to the pan and stir. Bring to a simmer. Then adjust the heat to maintain a low simmer and cook (uncovered) for 7-10 minutes, until orzo is just tender, stirring occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. (It may still look a bit brothy but will thicken up as it rests.)
1 ½ cups (10.5 ounces) dry orzo pasta, 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh spinach until wilted. Remove pan from the heat and stir in the lemon zest. (You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice if you want more lemon flavor.) Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
½ cup (30g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups chopped fresh spinach, zest of one medium lemon
- Chicken Broth: I tested this recipe with low sodium chicken broth and 1/4 teaspoon added salt and it was not nearly as flavorful. I highly recommend using regular chicken broth or salting to taste if using low sodium broth.
- Storage & Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, stirring in a little broth as needed to make it moist again.
Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 770mg | Potassium: 256mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1131IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 1mg
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