One-Pan Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo

$To make One-Pan Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped For extra flavor and a nice touch, consider these garnishes: - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon slices If you’re missing some items, try these swaps: - Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer taste. - Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter option. - You can use other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a different flavor. - If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works too, just thaw it first. This dish shines with simple ingredients. Each one plays a big role in creating a creamy, zesty flavor. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) Next, dice the onion and mince the garlic. This will help the flavors blend well. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. You want the garlic to smell nice, but not burn. Now, add the orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir it well to coat it in the oil. Cook for 2 minutes to give the orzo a little toast. Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the orzo to be al dente, and most of the liquid should be absorbed. Once that's done, lower the heat. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it well until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. This is where the magic happens! Next, mix in the lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This adds a lovely brightness to the dish. Fold in the chopped spinach. Let it wilt for about 1 to 2 minutes. This adds color and nutrition to your orzo. Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit for a minute. This helps it thicken up a bit. Now, it’s time to serve! Spoon the creamy lemon Parmesan orzo into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices on the side. Enjoy this delightful dish warm! You want a rich and creamy sauce. Start with heavy cream for the best texture. After adding the cream and cheese, mix well. This helps to melt the cheese evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth. For brightness, use fresh lemon zest and juice. They enhance the creaminess and add flavor. Cooking orzo is simple but needs care. First, toast the orzo in olive oil. This enhances the flavor. Stir it for about two minutes before adding broth. Use a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. Check for doneness after eight minutes. The orzo should be firm but not hard. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use fresh spinach for a bright taste and color. Chop it finely to help it wilt nicely. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, not pre-packaged. It melts better and adds more flavor. For garnish, fresh parsley and lemon slices add a nice touch. They make the dish look great and boost freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your creamy lemon Parmesan orzo. Chicken is a great choice. Just cook diced chicken in the skillet before adding the onion. Shrimp also works well. Sauté shrimp until pink, then follow the rest of the recipe. Both options make the dish heartier. For a vegetarian twist, omit the heavy cream and use coconut milk. This keeps it creamy and delicious. If you want a vegan dish, swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just make sure to check labels for broth and cream that fit your diet. You can boost the flavor with herbs and spices. Fresh basil or thyme adds a lovely aroma. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. You can also try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy touch. These small changes can really make your dish pop! To store your leftover creamy lemon Parmesan orzo, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps lock in the flavors and keeps it fresh. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, heat them gently. You can use a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to help it stay creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This keeps the dish warm and tasty. You can freeze creamy lemon Parmesan orzo if you want to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy the lovely flavors even after freezing! You can pair creamy lemon Parmesan orzo with many tasty sides. A fresh green salad works well. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Grilled chicken or shrimp adds protein and flavor. Roasted vegetables also make a great side. Garlic bread can help soak up the creamy sauce too. Yes, you can use other pasta types! If you want a different shape, try farfalle or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose. Remember, orzo cooks quickly, so check for doneness regularly. Smaller pasta shapes will work best for a creamy texture. To make creamy lemon Parmesan orzo gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer this option. Check the labels to ensure they are truly gluten-free. You can also use rice or quinoa as alternatives. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for these grains as needed. This post covered everything you need for creamy lemon Parmesan orzo. You now have the main ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips at your fingertips. Remember, you can switch up proteins or try vegan options. Store leftovers properly for a quick meal later. With these insights, your dish will impress every time. Enjoy making this simple yet delicious recipe!$

One-Pan Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo

Indulge in this One-Pan Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo that combines rich flavors with effortless cooking! In just 25 minutes, you can create a delightful dish packed with orzo, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. Discover how to make this tasty dinner that will impress everyone at the table. Click through to get the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!

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Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

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

Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the olive oil and sauté for 2 minutes.

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.