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- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups vegetable broth - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh herbs and produce boost flavor. They also add color and nutrients. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. The zest from lemons adds a bright spark. Fresh cherry tomatoes pop with sweetness. These elements make your dish taste homemade and special. You can add more to this meal for extra taste. Consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. Some people enjoy a splash of white wine for depth. You can also toss in artichoke hearts or olives for a Mediterranean twist. These add unique flavors and make the dish your own. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. You want it to be soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell its rich aroma. This step builds a great base for your dish. Now, stir in the orzo pasta. Cook it for 2 minutes while stirring. This helps toast the pasta slightly, enhancing its flavor. After that, pour in the vegetable broth, along with the lemon zest and juice. Add the dried oregano and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Occasionally stir to keep the orzo from sticking. When done, the orzo should absorb most of the liquid. Next, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and the chopped spinach. Mix them into the orzo. Cover the pot again and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. This will wilt the spinach and soften the tomatoes. When it’s ready, remove from heat and let it cool for a minute. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now your One Pot Lemon Herb Orzo is ready to serve! To make the best orzo, cook it just right. You want it tender but not mushy. Follow the cooking time in the recipe. Stir often to keep it from sticking. If you find it too dry, add a splash of water or broth. Add fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese brings creaminess. You can also serve it with a side of grilled chicken or fish. For a fresh twist, add lemon slices on the side. This dish pairs well with a crisp salad. Prep your veggies before cooking. Chop the onion and garlic ahead of time. Use pre-washed spinach. You can also buy halved cherry tomatoes to save time. Cook the orzo while you prepare other sides for a full meal. This makes dinner fast and easy! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of the dish. If you have fresh oregano or thyme, feel free to substitute them for the dried versions for a more vibrant taste. Toast the Orzo: Toasting the orzo for a couple of minutes before adding the broth adds a nutty flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall richness. Adjusting Lemon Flavor: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest. Start with less and add more to taste after cooking if you prefer a stronger lemon flavor. Adding Protein: To make this dish heartier, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian version, this dish works well as is. Just skip the cheese. To make it vegan, use a dairy-free cheese option or leave it out completely. The flavors shine through without cheese, thanks to the lemon and herbs. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra texture. Want to add protein? Chicken or shrimp are great choices. For chicken, sauté bite-sized pieces after the onion and garlic. Cook until golden, then follow the rest of the steps. For shrimp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking. They cook fast and soak up the lemon flavor nicely. If you prefer plant-based protein, add chickpeas or tofu. Use seasonal produce to change the dish. In spring, add asparagus or peas for a fresh twist. In summer, swap in fresh corn or zucchini. In fall, use roasted butternut squash or kale. Each season brings its own flavor. This way, you keep the dish fresh and exciting all year round. After enjoying your One Pot Lemon Herb Orzo, let it cool. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, put the orzo in a pot. Add a splash of water or broth. Heat it on low. Stir often to keep it from sticking. This way, it stays moist and delicious. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze, portion the orzo into smaller containers. Leave some space at the top, as it expands when frozen. Seal the containers well. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. You can store One Pot Lemon Herb Orzo in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a pot or microwave. If you notice the orzo has dried out, add a splash of water or broth when reheating. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Some good options include penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just remember, the cooking time might change. Check the pasta package for cooking times to get it just right. You want the pasta to be tender but not mushy. If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use chicken broth or water. Chicken broth adds a nice depth of flavor. If you prefer a lighter taste, water works too. You might need to adjust the seasoning if using water. Adding a bit of salt can help enhance the taste. In this article, we explored how to make a tasty One Pot Lemon Herb Orzo dish. We covered key ingredients and their importance, along with step-by-step cooking instructions for perfect results. Tips and tricks helped you achieve great texture and flavor, while variations offered choices for different diets. Lastly, proper storage info ensured your leftovers stay fresh. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. Enjoy the cooking process, try new flavors, and make this dish your own!

One Pot Lemon Herb Orzo

A flavorful and easy one-pot dish featuring orzo pasta, fresh herbs, and lemon.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 lemons zest and juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • optional grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the orzo pasta, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to toast the pasta slightly.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach, mixing them into the orzo. Cover again and let it sit for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are slightly tender.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool for a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins as desired.
Keyword herb, lemon, one pot, orzo, vegetarian