Lemon Garlic Orzo

Lemon Garlic Orzo -  Ingredients (Lean Version)

Lemon garlic orzo is a bright, lean pasta dish made with zesty lemon, garlic, and a light chicken broth sauce—perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort without heavy cream

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Orzo

• Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.

• Uses simple pantry staples like orzo, lemon, garlic, and chicken broth.

• Light and lean—no heavy cream, but still creamy and comforting.

• Pairs well with shrimp, chicken, or fish for a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• ½ cup water (add more as needed)

• ½ tsp pink Himalayan salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for warmth)

• 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (garnish)

• Lemon slice (for serving on plate)

  Serving Size: 4 servings

  Prep Time: 5 minutes

  Cook Time: 15 minutes

  Total Time: 20 minutes

  Instructions

  1. Cook the orzo: Bring chicken broth and water to a simmer. Add orzo and cook 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.

  2. Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Combine: Add cooked orzo and any remaining broth to the garlic pan. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, pink salt, pepper, and paprika.

  4. Adjust texture: Add 1–2 tbsp extra broth or water if you prefer a silkier finish.

  5. Finish: Stir in fresh parsley,

  6. Serve: Spoon onto a white rectangular plate. Garnish with a lemon slice and parsley for your signature blog look.

  ⭐ Calories

  ≈ 185 calories per serving

  ⭐ Wine Pairing

  • Pinot Grigio — bright and citrusy

  • Sauvignon Blanc — herbal and refreshing

    Tips, Variations & Storage

  • Tip: Reserve a little pasta cooking water to loosen the orzo if it thickens as it sits.

  • Variation: Stir in sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables to turn this side dish into a full meal.

  • Make it creamier: Add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of Parmesan at the end for extra richness while still keeping it fairly light.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen.

  Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes. Small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or small shells work well. Just cook according to package directions and follow the same sauce steps.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes. Cook the orzo and sauce, then cool and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat with a splash of broth or water and stir until creamy again.