Description
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Directions
Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in cooked orzo, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
Remove from heat and fold in crumbled goat cheese, Parmesan, and fresh parsley.
If using, gently toss in cherry tomatoes for added freshness.
Serve warm as a side dish or add grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cooking Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 15 minutes, Kcal: 280 per serving, Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta in a colander but do not rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce cling.
2. While the orzo cooks, prepare your ingredients: zest and juice the lemon, mince the garlic, chop the parsley, halve the cherry tomatoes (if using), and crumble the goat cheese.
3. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown.
4. Add the drained, hot orzo directly to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately stir in the salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. The residual heat will bloom the flavors.
6. While the mixture is still warm, gently fold in the crumbled goat cheese and grated Parmesan. The cheeses will melt slightly into a creamy sauce.
7. Finally, fold in the chopped fresh parsley and cherry tomato halves (if using) just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This lemony orzo is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm as a sophisticated side dish to grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or seared scallops. For a vegetarian main course, bulk it up with sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, or roasted asparagus. It also makes a fantastic pasta salad when chilled; simply drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving cold.
How-to Summary
Cook orzo pasta until al dente. Sauté minced garlic in butter. Combine hot orzo with the garlic butter, lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper. Off the heat, fold in goat cheese, Parmesan, parsley, and optional tomatoes until creamy and combined. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, but for best texture, prepare it up to the point of adding the cheeses and parsley. Reheat gently, then stir in the fresh ingredients just before serving.
What can I use instead of goat cheese? Feta cheese is an excellent substitute for a similarly tangy flavor. For a milder taste, try ricotta or cream cheese.
Is there a non-dairy alternative? For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and substitute the cheeses with nutritional yeast and a dollop of vegan cream cheese for creaminess.
Can I use bottled lemon juice? Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest flavor. Bottled juice can impart a metallic or stale taste.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the orzo, as it will become mushy when combined with the sauce. Do not rinse the pasta after draining, as this removes the starch needed for the sauce to adhere. Ensure you remove the skillet from the heat before adding the cheeses to prevent them from becoming greasy or separating. Finally, add the fresh parsley and tomatoes at the very end to preserve their color and crispness.
Conclusion
This Lemony Goat Cheese Orzo is a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create a restaurant-worthy dish in under 15 minutes. The perfect balance of rich, creamy cheese and bright, citrusy lemon makes it a crowd-pleasing side or a satisfying main. Its simplicity and elegance ensure it will become a regular in your recipe rotation.