Lemon Parmesan Orzo Recipe

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan on medium high heat.

Stir in 1 cup of orzo, coating it with the butter, and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes or until the orzo browns slightly.

Stir in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a boil.

Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil, 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Stir all of that together until the cheese melts.

Taste test and add any additional salt or pepper if desired.

Optionally, to turn it into a main dish, double the portion and add greens like wilted spinach or wilted kale, and a protein like shrimp, grilled chicken, or lamb.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens