Easy Orzo Pasta
A quick and easy orzo pasta recipe perfect for weeknights, featuring simple ingredients like butter, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 20 minutes.
Equipment
- Saucepan Medium size
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater For Parmesan cheese
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 oz orzo pasta uncooked
- 2 tsp salt for pasta water
- 0.25 cup butter salted, adds richness
- 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated, freshly grated is best
- 0.25 cup parsley freshly chopped
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil about 6 cups of water in a medium saucepan with 2 teaspoons of salt until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Add the orzo pasta to the boiling water, stir immediately to prevent sticking, and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally.8 oz orzo pasta
- Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the orzo completely.
- Return the drained orzo to the warm saucepan.
- Add the butter, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and black pepper to the orzo.8 oz orzo pasta
- Stir gently to coat the orzo with the ingredients.
- If the pasta seems dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water at a time, stirring until a creamy consistency is achieved.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.8 oz orzo pasta
- Serve immediately.
Notes
This recipe is a great base and can be customized with different herbs, cheeses, vegetables, or protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or butter.