Delicious Herb Butter Orzo Side Dish in Just 15 Minutes
This rich and flavorful orzo side dish combines creamy herb butter, fresh garlic, and zesty lemon, making it a must-try for any meal.
Equipment
- - Small bowl
- Pot
- - Strainer
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
For the Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup butter softened at room temperature
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or other soft herbs
- 2 cloves grated garlic or garlic powder
- 1 lemon fresh grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
For the Orzo
- 1 cup dried orzo pasta or gluten-free orzo
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt for seasoning the cooking water
For Serving
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil until creamy and well-blended.
- Bring 3-4 quarts of water to a vigorous boil, adding kosher salt. Stir in dried orzo and cook for 7-8 minutes.
- Drain the orzo, keeping some pasta water if a creamier consistency is desired. Transfer to a serving bowl and add the herb butter.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss gently to combine.
Notes
Prepare the herb butter in advance for convenience. Optionally garnish with extra parsley before serving.