Name: Lemon Butter Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo; 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon minced parsley (optional)

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Introduction

Lemon Butter Orzo is a bright, buttery side dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. This simple recipe features tender orzo pasta cooked in flavorful stock, then finished with fresh lemon juice and butter for a delightful, zesty taste.

A white bowl filled with cooked orzo pasta, which is small and rice-shaped, with a light yellow color. The orzo is mixed with small bits of green herbs scattered evenly throughout, giving a fresh look. On top of the orzo, there are two thin lemon slices with their bright yellow peel and translucent light-yellow flesh, placed on one side of the bowl. A silver spoon is partially inserted into the orzo under the lemon slices. The bowl is set on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup orzo
1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock

½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best!)
1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon minced parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small pot, combine the orzo, stock, sea salt, and pepper. Place over high heat and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let the orzo simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.

Step 3: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, butter, and minced parsley if using, until everything is well combined and creamy.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock or broth.
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra depth.

Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus twist.
Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the orzo gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture if needed.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a single layer of cooked orzo pasta, which is light golden yellow with a slightly glossy texture, mixed with small green herb pieces scattered evenly throughout. On the right side of the bowl, there are two thin slices of lemon placed on top of the orzo, showing their bright yellow skin and pale juicy interior with some green herb bits on them. A silver spoon is partly submerged in the orzo, positioned diagonally from the bottom right toward the center. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use water instead of stock?

Yes, you can use water, but using chicken or vegetable stock enhances the flavor significantly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable stock.