Are you craving a bright, flavorful, and surprisingly easy weeknight meal? Look no further than Orzo Al Limone! This vibrant pasta dish is a celebration of simple ingredients, elevated by the zesty freshness of lemon. It's the perfect example of how delicious and healthy meals can be quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch. This homemade cooking masterpiece is ready in under 30 minutes, making it one of the best recipes for those short on time but big on flavor.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Simple Flavors
This recipe serves 4.
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth!)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Zest and juice of 2 large lemons
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Culinary Journey
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Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Drain the orzo, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
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Sauté the Garlic: While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
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Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. This step adds a wonderful complexity to the flavor.
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Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked orzo, chicken or vegetable broth, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley to the skillet. Stir to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips and Variations: Making it Your Own
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of olive oil and butter for sautéing the garlic.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be delicious additions to this dish.
- Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the optional white wine and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the lemon: If you prefer a less lemony flavor, reduce the amount of lemon juice to your liking. Conversely, for a more intense lemon flavor, add more lemon zest and juice.
- Fresh herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This Orzo Al Limone recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it is to create healthy and delicious meals at home. It's a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated side dish for a larger meal. Enjoy!