You’ll want to make this creamy lemon orzo recipe on repeat! Tender orzo is coated in a rich lemon Alfredo sauce for a simple side dish that’s full of bright, fresh flavor.
Creamy lemon orzo is an easy pasta side dish with tender orzo, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. The rich, creamy sauce is balanced by the bright citrus flavor. It’s the perfect side dish for chicken, fish, steak, and roasted vegetables. This simple recipe is ready in about 20 minutes, making it easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough for holidays and dinner parties.
Tonia’s Notes
We used to have a restaurant in the Twin Cities area that served penne with chicken and a lemon alfredo sauce. I wanted to recreate the flavors in that pasta with this creamy lemon orzo dish.
If you aren’t familiar with orzo, it is a rice-shaped pasta. Although it looks like rice, it has the same texture and flavor as traditional pasta. It’s one of my favorite ingredients for easy side dishes because it cooks quickly and pairs well with creamy sauces like this lemon alfredo sauce. We love it with chicken breast made with this lemon pepper chicken marinade and oven-roasted asparagus.
How To Make Lemon Orzo
Toast the Orzo
Start by lightly toasting the orzo in butter in a large fry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
Cook the Orzo
Stir in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Lemon Alfredo Sauce
Once the orzo is tender, add the lemon Alfredo sauce ingredients: heavy cream, grated parmesan, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, and coarse-ground black pepper. Stir over low heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Although you can make this lemon orzo in advance, for the best results, I suggest cooking the orzo ahead of time and adding the sauce before serving. Cook the orzo as instructed in steps one and two, coat it with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and refrigerate overnight. Before serving, return it to the pan over low heat and continue with step three, adding the sauce ingredients.
- Leftovers: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 1-2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat it in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop. Add additional cream as needed.
More Pasta Recipes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It is ready in about 20 minutes.
- Made in one pan for easy cleanup.
- The creamy Parmesan sauce is fantastic with fresh lemon juice and zest.
- It pairs well with chicken, seafood, steak, and vegetables.
- Easy enough for weeknights, but special enough for holidays and dinner parties.
Creamy Lemon Orzo
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ounce freshly grated parmesan
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice do not use bottled
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large fry pan over medium heat. Add the orzo and lightly toast it while stirring for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, and black pepper. Stir for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
