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For this dish, you need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped These ingredients create a creamy, zesty, and savory flavor that makes every bite delightful. To add a fresh touch, you can use: - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Lemon slices These garnishes not only enhance the dish's look but also add extra flavor. If you want to change things up, consider these swaps: - Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer taste. - Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan version. These alternatives keep the dish tasty while catering to different diets. First, take a large skillet and add two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one small onion, finely diced. Sauté for about three to four minutes. Keep stirring until the onion is soft and clear. Next, add three cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for one more minute. The garlic should smell great but not burn. Now it’s time to cook the orzo. Add one cup of orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir it well to coat it in olive oil. Sauté the orzo for about two minutes. This step toasts the pasta and adds flavor. Then, slowly pour in two cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Cook for eight to ten minutes. Stir it now and then until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is gone. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Add the zest and juice of one lemon for bright flavor. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Gently fold in one cup of coarsely chopped spinach. Let it wilt for about one to two minutes. This adds color and nutrients. Finally, take the pan off the heat and let it sit for a minute. This helps the dish thicken. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley and a slice of lemon. - Use fresh lemon juice and zest for bright flavor. - Stir the orzo often while cooking to prevent sticking. - Cook the orzo until it’s al dente for the best texture. - Add cream and cheese slowly to achieve a smooth sauce. - Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. - Don’t rush the sautéing of onion and garlic; they need time to develop flavor. - Avoid adding too much broth at once; this can make the orzo soggy. - Skipping the resting time can lead to a runny dish. - Forgetting to fold in the spinach can miss out on nutrition and color. - Don’t skip the garnish; it adds a fresh touch to the dish. - Use a large skillet with a heavy bottom for even cooking. - Non-stick pans help prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. - A deep skillet can hold more liquid for better simmering. - Look for pans that are oven-safe in case you want to broil the dish. - Always choose cookware that heats evenly for best results. {{image_4}} You can boost the protein in this dish easily. For chicken, use diced breast or thigh. Cook the chicken in the pan first, then set it aside. Add it back when you mix in the cream and cheese. For shrimp, just toss them in when the orzo is almost done cooking. They only need a few minutes to cook through. If you prefer a plant-based option, tofu works well too. Cube firm tofu and sauté it until golden. It adds a nice texture and protein punch. If you want to keep it vegetarian, just skip the meat. Use vegetable broth as in the recipe. For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. You can also add more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra taste and nutrients. Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs and spices. Basil and thyme pair nicely with the lemon. Add them in when you mix the cream and cheese. For a kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes. They give a nice warmth without overpowering the dish. Lemon zest adds a fresh brightness, so don’t skip it! You can even add a splash of white wine for depth before the broth. It adds a lovely layer of flavor. To keep your orzo fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain the flavor and creaminess. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, use low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it smooth. Stir often to heat it evenly. This way, the orzo stays creamy and delicious. You can freeze orzo, but it may change texture. Allow it to cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make One-Pan Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo ahead of time. Prepare it, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, you can reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. You can add many tasty items to this orzo. Here are some ideas: - Cooked chicken: Shred or dice it for added protein. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp and mix them in for a seafood twist. - Vegetables: Add bell peppers, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and taste. - Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can enhance the flavor. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste. Orzo is not gluten-free. It is made from wheat and is similar to pasta. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free orzo made from rice or other grains. Always check the label to make sure it fits your diet. This blog post covered everything you need for One-Pan Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. I've also shared storage info and answered common questions. My final thoughts are simple: this dish is easy and fun to make. With the right ingredients and a few tricks, you can enjoy a tasty meal. Try your own variations to make it special for you. Happy cooking!

One-Pan Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo

Elevate your dinner game with this One-Pan Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo that's bursting with flavor! This easy recipe features orzo pasta cooked to perfection with creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful gathering, it's ready in just 25 minutes. Click through to discover the step-by-step instructions and bring this delicious dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

    Introduce Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to let it burn.

      Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring well to coat it in the olive oil. Sauté the pasta for about 2 minutes to lightly toast it.

        Simmer with Broth: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

          Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious.

            Add Citrus Flavors: Incorporate the lemon zest and juice into the mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

              Incorporate Spinach: Gently fold in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt for about 1-2 minutes, which adds a vibrant color and nutrition to the dish.

                Let Sit: Remove from heat and allow the dish to rest for a minute, giving it time to thicken slightly.

                  Serve: Dish out the creamy lemon Parmesan orzo while hot, garnishing each plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a slice of lemon on the side for an extra zing.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4