Print

One-Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Close-up of creamy orzo pasta mixed with wilted spinach served in a white bowl.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this simple, comforting one-pot orzo pasta for a quick weeknight dinner. It features bright lemon, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese, requiring minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (optional, substitute with 1 cup cooked chicken breast for non-sausage version)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. If using sausage, add it to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess grease. If not using sausage, skip this step.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  3. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden. This step adds flavor.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the sauce is creamy.
  6. If using spinach, stir it in now until it wilts into the hot pasta.
  7. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • To make this a truly quick orzo dinner, have your broth heated in a separate pot before starting.
  • If you skip the sausage or chicken, you can add 1/2 cup of frozen peas along with the spinach for extra color and texture.
  • This recipe works well as a side dish or a main course pasta.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/creamy-one-pot-lemon-garlic-parmesan-orzo-pasta/