Description
This Lemon Orzo with Parmesan & Peas is a creamy, bright, and comforting dish featuring tender orzo cooked in a flavorful broth, finished with fresh lemon zest and juice, sweet peas, and savory Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy-to-make side dish or a light vegetarian main course that’s perfect for quick weeknight meals or elegant dinner sides.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups dry orzo
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, optional
Instructions
- Heat the fats: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Sauté onion: Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Toast orzo: Stir in the dry orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat the pasta with the oil, butter, and aromatics.
- Add broth and seasoning: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook orzo: Let the orzo simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and allow the pasta to absorb the broth.
- Stir in peas: During the final 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas, stirring them into the orzo to heat through.
- Finish with cheese and lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice to create a creamy, bright finish.
- Adjust consistency: If the orzo looks too thick, add a splash of warm broth to loosen it to your desired creamy texture.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and optional basil, then serve warm as a delicious side or light main dish.
Notes
- Stir frequently during cooking because orzo releases starch and can stick easily to the pan.
- Add the lemon juice gradually and taste to balance brightness for a milder or stronger lemon flavor.
- Fresh peas can substitute frozen peas if available.
- To make it a heartier main dish, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Use vegetable broth and ensure Parmesan is suitable to keep the dish vegetarian.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish, Pasta, Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
