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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups vegetable broth - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) Gather these ingredients to make your One-Pot Lemon Garlic Orzo. Each item plays a key role in making this dish bright and tasty. Orzo pasta is the base. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Vegetable broth adds depth and richness. Olive oil brings a smooth taste and helps with cooking. Garlic and onion provide a strong, savory aroma. They make your kitchen smell wonderful as they cook. The zest and juice of the lemon add a tangy brightness that lifts the dish. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, while spinach gives a fresh note and nutrients. The optional red pepper flakes can give a slight kick if you like heat. Finally, season with salt and pepper for balance. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Grated Parmesan can make the dish creamier if you want. Now that you have your ingredients, you are all set to create a delicious meal! Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. When the onion turns translucent, it’s ready for the next step. Next, add the orzo pasta to the pot. Stir it well to coat it in the oil. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes. This will enhance its flavor and give it a nice touch. Now, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Add the lemon zest for a bright flavor. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil. When it starts boiling, lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. The orzo should be al dente when it’s done. Once the orzo reaches the right texture, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped spinach. Mix everything until the spinach wilts. Season it with salt and pepper to your taste. If you want a creamy touch, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese. For a fresh finish, garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious One-Pot Lemon Garlic Orzo! To prevent orzo from sticking, you should stir it often while cooking. When you first add the orzo to the pot, make sure to coat it well with olive oil. Toast it for two minutes to help keep it separate. As you simmer, stir the pot every few minutes for the best results. For the perfect al dente texture, keep an eye on the cooking time. You want the orzo to have a slight bite. Start checking it around the 10-minute mark. If it feels soft, it may be overcooked. The orzo should absorb most of the broth but still have some moisture left. Adding Parmesan cheese boosts the flavor. Stir in the cheese after you remove the pot from the heat. This creates a creamy texture that blends well with the lemon and garlic. Use freshly grated cheese for the best taste. Adjusting seasoning is key to making this dish your own. After adding the lemon juice, taste it. You may want to add more salt or pepper based on your preference. If you like a kick, toss in more red pepper flakes. Always feel free to make it suit your palate! {{image_2}} You can add protein to this dish easily. Chicken or shrimp works well. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it with the onion and garlic. Cook until golden brown. This adds flavor and makes it heartier. For shrimp, add it during the last few minutes of cooking. Shrimp cooks fast, so keep an eye on it. It will turn pink and firm up quickly. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, try different veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great choices. Chop your vegetables into small pieces. Sauté them with the onion and garlic. This will add color and nutrients. You can also add more spinach for extra greens. Experimenting with herbs or spices can change the taste of your orzo. Basil, oregano, or thyme work well. Add them during the cooking process for the best flavor. If you want a kick, try adding more red pepper flakes. A squeeze of lime instead of lemon can also give a fresh twist. Each change offers a new taste experience! To keep your One-Pot Lemon Garlic Orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, make sure it cools down first. Place the orzo in a freezer-safe container. It will last in the freezer for about one month. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For the best taste, reheat leftover orzo on the stove. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. This keeps it creamy and prevents drying out. You can also use a microwave. Place the orzo in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little broth or water, cover it, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your dish warm and fresh! What can I serve with One-Pot Lemon Garlic Orzo? You can serve this dish with grilled chicken or fish. A simple salad pairs well, too. Garlic bread is another great choice. All these options add flavor and make the meal more filling. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free orzo pasta. Many brands offer this option now. Just check the package for cooking times. You can enjoy the same great taste without gluten. How long can leftovers be stored? You can keep leftovers in the fridge for about three days. Just place them in an airtight container. If you want to store them longer, freeze the orzo for up to two months. This recipe for One-Pot Lemon Garlic Orzo is simple and fun to make. You learned about the key ingredients and how to cook them step by step. We shared tips to get the best texture and flavor. You can even customize it with proteins or veggies. Storing leftovers is easy, and we answered common questions, too. Enjoy this tasty dish, and don't be afraid to make it your own!

One-Pot Lemon Garlic Orzo

Discover the deliciousness of this One-Pot Lemony Garlic Orzo, a quick and vibrant dish perfect for any meal! With just a few simple ingredients like orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon, you can whip up a flavorful meal in no time. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also healthy and satisfying. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a burst of flavors in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cups vegetable broth

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Add the orzo to the pot and stir to coat it with the oil. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

      Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.

        Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped spinach, mixing until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.

            Season to taste with salt and pepper. If desired, stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.

              Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4