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Welcome to the vibrant world of creamy lemon garlic orzo, a dish that beautifully encapsulates the essence of fresh, wholesome ingredients and culinary creativity. This delightful recipe combines the tender texture of orzo pasta with a luscious cream sauce, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic, creating a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and refreshing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is versatile enough to please both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo

Dive into the delightful world of creamy lemon garlic orzo with this easy-to-follow recipe! This dish perfectly blends the rich, comforting texture of orzo pasta with a zesty sauce made from fresh lemon and aromatic garlic. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it's versatile enough to please everyone at the table. Explore tips for ingredient selection, preparation, and cooking techniques to create a standout meal that showcases vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you prefer it as a vegetarian dish or enhanced with protein, creamy lemon garlic orzo is sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

3 cups vegetable broth (or water)

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

1 cup heavy cream (substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Extra lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Orzo:

    - In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the orzo and reduce the heat to medium. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

      Sauté Aromatics:

        - While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

          Create the Creamy Sauce:

            - Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Add the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixing well. Let the sauce thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes while stirring gently.

              Combine Orzo and Sauce:

                - Once the orzo is cooked, drain it but reserve a splash of the broth. Add the cooked orzo directly into the skillet with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine, adding a bit of the reserved broth as needed to achieve your desired creaminess.

                  Incorporate Cheese:

                    - Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option) and mix until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste the mixture and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.

                      Serve and Garnish:

                        - Remove the skillet from heat, and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, placing extra lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their serving, enhancing the dish’s bright flavors.

                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings