One-Pan Creamy Lemon Orzo With Parmesan and Basil

A Creamy, Citrusy Pasta You Can Make in One Pan

If there were ever a side dish that checks every box—easy, elegant, comforting, and flavorful—it’s this one-pan creamy lemon orzo. Light and zesty from fresh lemon juice and zest, yet indulgently creamy thanks to heavy cream and Parmesan, this orzo pasta brings a welcome burst of brightness to your dinner table.

Whether you’re pairing it with salmon, grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggies, this is the kind of dish that earns recipe card status fast.

🍋 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tablespoons salted butter

• 2 shallots, minced

• 1½ cups orzo pasta

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version)

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 2 tsp dried if needed)

🧀 Freshly shredded Parmesan brings bold flavor and melts beautifully—worth the extra step!

👩‍🍳 How to Make Creamy Lemon Orzo

1. Sauté Shallots: Melt butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add shallots and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

2. Toast the Orzo: Add orzo and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often, to lightly toast it.

3. Build the Flavor: Add garlic and lemon zest. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until orzo is tender and sauce is thickened.

5. Finish & Serve: Stir in Parmesan and basil. Serve warm, optionally with extra lemon zest or black pepper on top.

🍽️ This dish tastes rich but feels light—ideal for spring and summer menus!

🥡 Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

🍽️ What to Serve With Lemon Orzo

This creamy lemon orzo pairs beautifully with a wide variety of mains:

• 🧄 Brown Sugar Garlic Air Fryer Salmon

• 🥗 Classic Arugula Salad

• 🍠 Roasted Root Vegetables

• 🥖 Sourdough Bread or Focaccia

🍋 For a showstopping plate, serve it with grilled shrimp skewers and lemon wedges.

✨ A Weeknight Wonder That’s Anything But Boring

With fresh lemon, silky cream, and savory Parmesan in every bite, this creamy lemon orzo is proof that quick weeknight sides don’t have to be dull. It’s comforting, classy, and easy to make with pantry staples—ready to become your new go-to side dish for any occasion.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more creative, low-fuss meals that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

👉 For more inspired side dishes and pasta favorites, explore our Food section today.