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Lemon Garlic Orzo


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A delicious and easy recipe for lemon garlic orzo that you’ll love making at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Step 1: Cook orzo pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  • Step 2: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Step 3: Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers to skillet. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until tender but crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Step 4: Combine cooked orzo with sautéed vegetables in skillet. Pour lemon juice over mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
  • Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss gently to distribute cheese throughout.
  • Step 6: Serve warm in bowls, garnished with additional lemon zest if desired.

Notes

  • Cook orzo one minute less than package directions to prevent overcooking when combining with vegetables
  • Reserve pasta water before draining to add moisture if the dish becomes too dry during mixing
  • Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and professional presentation
  • Add lemon juice off heat to preserve its bright, fresh flavor and prevent bitterness
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 285 calories
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: lemon garlic orzo, recipe, homemade, cooking, food, easy recipe