Lemon orzo is a simple, easy-to-make, delicious, and flavorful one-pot pasta recipe that can be prepared for a quick meal in less than 20 minutes. The best part about this lemon orzo pasta is that you can serve it hot or cold.
Also, check the orzo pasta salad with pesto and sundried tomatoes, and fresh tomato basil orzo recipe.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Orzo pasta is one of the best recipes that you can make for a quick weeknight dinner or your kid's lunchbox in under 20 minutes.
- Since orzo holds its shape very well and you only need a spoon to eat, it is a delicious recipe for summer potlucks, picnics, or travel.
- You need basic kitchen ingredients, which are cooked in one pot.
- This simple orzo recipe can be served as a side dish with any meal. It goes well with roasted chicken, sausage, salmon, butter garlic shrimp, or roasted cauliflower.
Ingredients
Orzo (risoni): Orzo is rice-shaped pasta used in the Mediterranean and Italian cooking. You may use whole wheat orzo or any other small-shaped pasta. Cooking time will vary accordingly.
Olive oil: Add richness and depth of flavor.
Garlic cloves: Gives a very good aroma to the dish.
Lemon: Lemon juice and zest adds brightness to this pasta salad.
Basil: Fresh and finely chopped basil leaves add more flavor to your dish.
Liquid: To cook pasta, use water or your favorite broth.
Salt: To taste.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Variations
- You can also add parmesan cheese on top of the cooked lemon orzo.
- For flavor and nutrition, vegetarian pasta includes roasted capsicum, spinach, asparagus, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms.
- For protein, add cooked shredded chicken at the end with lemon juice, and toss until combined.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat oil in a pot or wide pan and add garlic cloves. Saute until aromatic on medium flame.
Step 2: Add orzo pasta
Step 3: Next, add the freshly grated lemon zest.
Step 4: Add water or any broth of your choice and salt to taste.
Step 5: Bring this to a boil.
Step 6: Simmer and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes or until orzo is tender. Switch off the flame and let this sit for 5 minutes.
Step 7:Add fresh lemon juice and adjust to taste.
Step 8: Add fresh herbs like basil and toss until combined.
Tips
- The amount of liquid you may need to cook orzo depends on the flame's intensity and the pot's thickness. If you feel the orzo is undercooked or looks dry toward the end of cooking, add more water, and continue cooking. Let the pasta sit for a little longer if the orzo looks wet. It will absorb all the liquid.
- Season with pepper powder and red pepper flakes if desired.
Recipe FAQs
If there are any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight conatiner for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or stovetop with a splash of water if you like it warm, or serve it cold.
Yes. Once it comes to room temperature, add it to a freezer-proof conatiner and freeze for up to three months.
More Pasta Recipes to try
Recipe card
Lemon Orzo | Easy One Pot Pasta
Equipment
- Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 5 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 ½ cups Water or use any broth of your choice
- ½ to ¾ teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 ½ tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoon Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan or pot. Add garlic cloves and saute until it becomes fragrant on a medium flame.2 tablespoon Olive oil, 5 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Add lemon zest, salt, and orzo with water or broth and bring it to a boil.1 cup Orzo, Zest of 1 lemon, ½ to ¾ teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste), 2 ½ cups Water or use any broth of your choice
- Simmer and cook uncovered for 13 to 15 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Switch off the flame. Let this sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice, freshly chopped basil and toss until combined.1 ½ tablespoon Lemon juice, 1 to 2 tablespoon Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Video
Notes
- The amount of liquid you may need to cook orzo depends on the flame's intensity and the pot's thickness. If you feel the orzo is undercooked or looks dry toward the end of cooking, add more water, and continue cooking. Let the pasta sit for a little longer if the orzo looks wet. It will absorb all the liquid.
- Season with pepper powder and red pepper flakes if desired.
- You can use freshly chopped mint or parsley instead of basil. Flavor will vary accordingly.
Nutrition
This post was first published in July 2015. Updated it with recipes, stepwise pictures, and calorie information.
DK
Such an easy yet delightful pasta! I was perfect to make for our kids school lunch!
Chenee
I'm obsessed with this dish. It's definitely my new favorite way to enjoy orzo.
Kim
So full of flavor and so easy to make too! Winning recipe.
Ann
I'm all about one pot meals. I like adding veggies like zucchini to this for a complete meal.
Ned
This is a delicious pasta dish! Thank you so much for the recipe!