Lemon Parmesan Orzo
Bright, comforting, and effortlessly elegant, Lemon Parmesan Orzo is the kind of dish that feels equally at home on a weeknight table or at a casual dinner gathering. Tender orzo pasta is coated in a silky, lemon-kissed sauce and finished with delicate Parmesan shreds that melt just enough to create a creamy, balanced bite.
The flavor is fresh but cozy—citrusy without being sharp, cheesy without feeling heavy. It’s a simple dish that proves you don’t need complicated techniques to make something memorable. A smooth workflow and evenly shredded cheese help everything come together seamlessly, especially when using tools like the Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater to keep prep stress-free.
🧾Ingredients
Orzo pasta
Fresh lemon juice
Unsalted butter or olive oil
Garlic, finely minced
Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
🍳How to Make Lemon Parmesan Orzo
Cook the Orzo: Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the orzo pasta until it's tender, then drain and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large pan, melt your butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it's fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add fresh lemon juice and stir to combine.
Combine the Orzo and Sauce: Add the cooked orzo to the pan, tossing it to coat evenly in the garlic-lemon mixture. Let it soak up all the flavors for a couple of minutes.
Shred the Parmesan: Using the cheese shredder hand crank, grate a generous amount of Parmesan directly over the orzo. The fine shreds will melt smoothly into the pasta, adding creaminess without clumping. The rotary grater makes this step quick and easy, creating perfectly consistent shreds that integrate effortlessly.
Season: Once the cheese is melted and the orzo is coated, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together for a rich, smooth consistency.
Finish: Remove from heat, give it a final stir, and serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a pop of freshness.
🌿Serving Ideas
Serve Lemon Parmesan Orzo as a standalone comfort dish or pair it with:
Grilled chicken or shrimp
Roasted vegetables
A crisp green salad
Finish with a sprinkle of parsley for color and a final touch of freshness.
🍋Final Thoughts
Lemon Parmesan Orzo is proof that simplicity, when done right, can be incredibly satisfying. With fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and smooth preparation, this dish earns a permanent place in your recipe rotation—made even easier with the help of the cheese slicer.
