Zesty Lemon Parsley Orzo
This Zesty Lemon Parsley Orzo is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines the creamy texture of orzo pasta with the freshness of lemon and parsley. Similar to risotto, this recipe allows the orzo to absorb all the flavors, creating a wonderfully cohesive dish. It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a refreshing main dish on its own. Easy to make in just under 15 minutes, it's a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or when you're looking to impress guests with minimal effort. A touch of Parmesan adds richness, although it can be omitted for a lighter version.
4
Servings
80
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
salt
1 teaspoon (coarse or fine, to taste)
orzo pasta
8 ounces (approximately 1 1/3 cups)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons (grated)
lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons (from a fresh lemon)
lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring 1 quart of water to a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, add the salt and orzo pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Cook the orzo for 8 to 9 minutes, or until tender. The pasta should absorb most of the cooking liquid while remaining creamy.
4
After the orzo is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter until melted.
5
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced parsley to the orzo, mixing well to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Parsley Orzo?
It is a vibrant dish that combines creamy orzo pasta with fresh lemon and parsley, similar in texture to risotto.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is very quick and can be made in just under 15 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving.
Is this orzo recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What are the main ingredients for the Zesty Lemon Parsley Orzo?
The main ingredients are salt, orzo pasta, butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
How much orzo pasta is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of orzo pasta, which is approximately 1 1/3 cups.
How much water should I boil for the pasta?
You should bring 1 quart of water to a rolling boil.
How long should the orzo cook?
The orzo should cook for 8 to 9 minutes or until it is tender.
What texture should the cooked orzo have?
The orzo should absorb most of the liquid while remaining creamy, similar to a risotto.
When do I add the butter?
The butter should be stirred in after the orzo is cooked and removed from the heat.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I omit the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, the Parmesan can be omitted if you prefer a lighter version of the dish.
How much lemon zest is required?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh lemon zest.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What kind of parsley should be used?
Use 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 3.75g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 2g of protein.
Is orzo a type of rice?
No, orzo is a type of pasta shaped like a large grain of rice.
Should I stir the orzo while it boils?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the saucepan.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Yes, it can be served as a refreshing main dish or as a side accompaniment to grilled meats.
What should I do if the orzo is too dry?
You can adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice or a splash of water to maintain the creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is a fantastic choice for impressing guests with minimal effort.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Serve immediately garnished with extra fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
According to the nutritional data provided, there is no sugar in this recipe.
What type of salt should I use?
You can use 1 teaspoon of either coarse or fine salt, according to your taste.
Does this recipe have any fiber?
The nutritional information for fiber is not specified for this recipe.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total.