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Luminous Creamy Lemon Orzo Delight

A vibrant and airy lemon orzo dish that blends fresh citrus with a rich creamy sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for weeknights when you need a comforting dish that still feels gourmet.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 358
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 minced shallots
  • 1 ½ cups orzo
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté for about 3 minutes until they soften and become aromatic.
  2. Add the orzo to the pan and toast lightly, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Then mix in the garlic and lemon zest, letting them infuse the butter for about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently so the orzo doesn’t stick.
  4. Once the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese and basil. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.