Side Dishes > Italian > Pasta > Orzo Pasta

Parsley-Lemon Orzo Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:
a. In a medium-sized pot, bring water and salt to a boil.
b. Add orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
c. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
d. Add chopped parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese to the mixing bowl.
e. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the mixture.
f. Serve warm or at room temperature.


Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
5. Temperature:
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 240
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 9g
Sodium: 360mg
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta instead of orzo.
- You can use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley.
- You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
- You can use any type of oil instead of olive oil.
- You can use any type of cheese instead of Parmesan cheese.

Variations:
- Add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Add some diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
- Add some chopped garlic for extra flavor.
- Add some red pepper flakes for some heat.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn't become mushy.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.

Storage instructions:
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, microwave the leftovers for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the orzo in a large serving bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with some extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges.

Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges

Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta is too dry, add some more olive oil or lemon juice.
- If the pasta is too wet, add some more Parmesan cheese or parsley.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta to the correct temperature to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Orzo is a type of pasta that originated in Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- This dish is tangy, fresh, and savory.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or a light lunch.

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Taste: Citrusy, Herby, Savory, Tangy