Imagine a dish that perfectly balances the bright zing of lemon with the earthy aroma of fresh rosemary, all wrapped around tender orzo pasta. Welcome to "Orzo with Lemon and Rosemary"—a delightful Italian recipe that's not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor! In just 25 minutes, you can create a stunning meal that will impress your family and friends. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a side dish to complement your dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Ready to elevate your culinary skills? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a medium-sized pot with 4 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the pasta's flavor.
- Pour the orzo pasta into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente - tender but still firm to the bite.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Drain the cooked orzo in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Immediately transfer the orzo to the skillet with garlic.
- Add fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped rosemary to the orzo. Toss gently to combine, using the reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce if needed.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the bright, aromatic combination of lemon and rosemary.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, be sure to follow the cooking time on the orzo package closely. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Garlic Alert: When sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it. You want it to be fragrant and lightly golden, but if it browns too much, it can turn bitter.
- Zest is Best: For an extra burst of flavor, use a microplane to zest the lemon. This will give you finer zest that blends beautifully with the orzo.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining! This starchy water can help create a silky sauce that clings to the orzo.
- Cheese Please: For an added layer of richness, consider using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or basil if you want to switch things up. Each herb will bring its unique twist to the dish.
- Serve Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so try to serve it immediately after preparation to savor the bright flavors at their peak.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
