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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Lemon Herbed Orzo

    Published on February 21, 2022 - Updated on May 20, 2023 by Chef Rodney - 1 Comment - This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Jump to Recipe
    This Lemon Herbed Orzo recipe is not only super easy to make but it tastes delicious! Love the lemon flavor of this dish.
     
    lemon herbed orzo

    I was in the mood for some Orzo so made this delicious Lemon Herbed Orzo dish. If you are not familiar with Orzo, it's basically pasta shaped like large grains of rice. Many people often confuse Orzo with Rice. Orzo is pasta, not a grain like Rice.

    Orzo

    While this Orzo recipe is very easy to make, you need to make sure you cook the Orzo to perfection. You want the orzo to be cooked just a tad under al dente. In most cases, this should take 7-8 minutes. When in doubt always refer to the directions on the box.

    lemon herbed orzo

    💭 What is Al Dente

    When making pasta, it's important to cook the pasta al dente to ensure to best texture possible. If you are not familiar with the term "al dente", it means cooking the pasta so it's still chewy and firm and that it will hold its shape when the sauce is added to it.

    fresh basil leaves
    Fresh Basil Leaves

    I always recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice as much as possible but if that is not an option for you try to use the highest quality bottled lemon juice that you can. It will make a difference in the overall flavor of this dish.

    fresh italian parsley
    Fresh Italian Parsley

    I prefer to use fresh herbs for this recipe but if you don't have access to any you can substitute for the dried variety. I have not personally tried this but doing so will change the flavor profile of this wonderful orzo dish.

    lemon herbed orzo

    Italian Parsley and Flat-Leaf Parsley are basically the same thing. Grocery stores may use either name.

    fresh chives
    Fresh Chives

    For more great recipes with Orzo, I suggest you check these recipes out:

    • orzo salad
      Mediterranean Orzo Salad
    • Chicken and Bean Orzo Salad
      Chicken and Bean Orzo Salad
    • Greek Chicken Orzo Salad
      Greek Chicken Orzo Salad with Kalamata Olives

    📋 Gather your Ingredients

    You will need the following ingredients to make this Lemon Herbed Orzo recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Orzo, Unsalted Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shallots, Fresh Italian Parsley, Fresh Chives, Fresh Basil, Fresh Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest, Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper and Parmesan Cheese.

    🥣 How to make Lemon Herbed Orzo

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add in the orzo and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until just al dente. Immediately drain well.
    Return the orzo to the pot and stir in the butter, oil, shallots and fresh herbs. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt & pepper and parmesan cheese.

    lemon herbed orzo

    Lemon Herbed Orzo

    This Lemon Herbed Orzo recipe is not only super easy to make but it tastes delicious! Love the lemon flavor of this dish.
    4.41 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep TimePrep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook TimeCook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total TimeTotal Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Salads
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 267 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 Cups Orzo, uncooked
    • 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, softened
    • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 1 tablespoon Shallots, finely minced
    • ½ Cup Fresh Italian Parsley, chopped
    • ¼ Cup Fresh Chives, thinly sliced
    • 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil, chopped
    • 3 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest, finely minced
    • ¾ teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
    • ⅓ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

    Instructions
     

    • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add in the orzo and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until just al dente. Immediately drain well.
    • Return the orzo to the pot and stir in the butter, oil, shallots and fresh herbs. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt & pepper and the parmesan cheese.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 9gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 386mgPotassium: 167mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 673IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 1mg

    Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.

    Tried this Recipe?Leave a Comment below and share a picture on Instagram and tag @hot_rods_recipes and hashtag #hotrodsrecipes!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Clint

      May 20, 2023 at 7:23 pm

      This Lemon Herbed Orzo is scrumptious. Very tasty. The lemon zest and the Parmesan cheese makes all the difference in this recipe. Will definitely make this recipe again.

      Reply

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