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To make this dish, you need simple ingredients that blend well together. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - Juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) With these key ingredients, you’ll create a flavorful and bright dish that shines with lemon and herbs. If you want to make your orzo even better, consider these options: - Crumbled feta cheese for a creamy touch - Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein - Sliced olives for a salty kick - Pine nuts for a crunchy texture These add-ins can enhance the dish and suit your taste. Don’t have everything on hand? No worries! Here are some easy swaps: - Use quinoa or rice if you can’t find orzo. - Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for a richer flavor. - Replace spinach with kale or arugula for a different green. These substitutions still keep the dish delicious while using what you have at home. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shines, add the finely chopped onion. Cook the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and smells great. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir often until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Now it's time to add the orzo pasta. Stir it into the pot and coat the grains with the oil. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes. This step adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish. Keep stirring so the pasta doesn't stick or burn. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth. Then, add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix everything well until it combines nicely. Raise the heat to bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will cook the orzo until it's just right. After 10 minutes, check if most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender. Carefully stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cover the pot again and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the spinach wilt and the tomatoes soften. Season the dish with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Stir everything well to mix the flavors. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for a couple of minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve warm and top with fresh parsley for a lovely finish. To get the best flavor in your One-Pot Lemon Herb Orzo, use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme add bright notes. Use high-quality olive oil for a rich taste. Fresh lemon juice and zest make it pop. One common mistake is overcooking the orzo. Stir it gently and keep an eye on it. If you let it sit too long, it can turn mushy. Also, don’t skip the salt. It enhances the flavors of the dish. To improve texture, fold in the spinach and tomatoes gently. This keeps the tomatoes intact and the spinach vibrant. For a pretty presentation, serve the orzo in shallow bowls. Top each bowl with whole cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of lemon zest. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a nice touch. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your One-Pot Lemon Herb Orzo. Chicken works great. Use cooked, shredded chicken to mix in at the end. It adds flavor and makes it heartier. If you prefer a plant-based option, add chickpeas. Canned chickpeas are easy to use. Just rinse them and stir them in with the spinach. This keeps the meal filling and tasty. This dish can be made vegetarian or vegan with a few tweaks. The base is already vegetarian since it uses vegetable broth. For a vegan option, just ensure you use a broth without animal products. You can also swap out any cheese toppings for a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without using dairy. This keeps your meal both healthy and flavorful. Changing the herbs can give your orzo a new taste. While oregano and thyme work well, you can try different herbs too. Basil can add a sweet note, while rosemary gives it a woodsy flavor. If you want something bright, fresh dill can be a great choice. Just chop it finely and add it in at the end. Experimenting with herbs makes this dish fun and exciting every time you make it. To keep your One-Pot Lemon Herb Orzo fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just pull it out. When reheating, I recommend using the stove. Add a little water or broth to the pot. This keeps the orzo moist. Heat it on low, stirring often until hot. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to avoid drying out. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the orzo. Use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use other small pastas. Try ditalini or even small shells. Keep in mind that cooking times may change. Always check the package for timing. The dish will still taste great! One-Pot Lemon Herb Orzo pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with grilled chicken or fish. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch, too. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also great options. Any of these will complement the flavors well! This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. In this blog post, we explored how to make One-Pot Lemon Herb Orzo. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great flavor. You can add protein or modify it for vegan diets too. Storing leftovers properly helps you enjoy it later. This dish is simple, tasty, and fun to make. I hope you feel inspired to try it in your kitchen!

One-Pot Lemon Herb Orzo

Discover the delightful flavors of this One-Pot Lemon Herb Orzo recipe that brings freshness and simplicity to your table. With vibrant ingredients like cherry tomatoes and spinach, plus the zing of lemon, it's perfect for a quick meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, you’ll love how easy this dish is! Click through to explore this tasty recipe that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress family and friends. Don't miss out on this culinary gem!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

Juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.

      Add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring to coat the grains in the olive oil for about 2 minutes to toast them slightly.

        Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, then add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

          Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is cooked al dente.

            Carefully fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and roughly chopped spinach, stirring gently to incorporate. Cover the pot once more and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.

              Season the dish with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, then stir everything together until well mixed.

                Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

                  Serve warm, generously garnished with freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: For an attractive serving, consider plating the orzo in a shallow bowl and adding a few whole cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of lemon zest on top. Serve alongside a wedge of lemon for an extra citrus touch.