Creamy Cheesy Lemon and Zucchini Orzo
This Creamy Cheesy Lemon and Zucchini Orzo is fresh, comforting, and deceptively simple. Whether you are feeding a crowd or cooking for one, it is a flavorful and flexible dish to keep on repeat. Make it once, and it is sure to earn a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large zucchini shredded
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 cup of orzo pasta
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 2 to 2.5 cups of water add more if needed
- 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the onion until soft, about 5 to 6 minutes.1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion
- Add garlic and shredded zucchini. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the zucchini softens. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute.1 large zucchini, 1 cup of orzo pasta, 3 cloves of garlic
- Add lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 20 minutes, until orzo is tender. Add more water as needed if it gets too thick.Juice and zest of 2 lemons, 2 to 2.5 cups of water, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
- Turn off heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and creamy. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve warm.1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 3 tbsp butter, Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve warm.
Notes
✔️ Use a fine grater for the zucchini so it melts into the orzo as it cooks.
✔️ Add the lemon juice and zest early so the orzo can absorb the brightness.
✔️ Stir often to prevent sticking and promote creaminess.
✔️ If reheating, splash in a little water to loosen up the texture.
✔️ Add the lemon juice and zest early so the orzo can absorb the brightness.
✔️ Stir often to prevent sticking and promote creaminess.
✔️ If reheating, splash in a little water to loosen up the texture.
