Lemon Orzo with Corn and Parmesan Recipe
A bright and flavorful Lemon Orzo recipe featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in chicken broth and combined with sautéed corn, fresh lemon juice, and parmesan cheese for a delicious, easy side dish perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Orzo and Broth
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
Corn
- 1½ cups fresh corn kernels (from about 3 ears)
- 2 tbsp salted butter
Seasonings and Finish
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Slice fresh corn kernels from about 3 ears of corn into a bowl. This step ensures fresh, sweet corn for the recipe.
- Zest the Lemon: Zest one whole lemon carefully and set the zest aside to add bright citrus flavor later.
- Sauté the Corn: Heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a pan over high heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté until they start to brown, approximately 10 minutes. Once browned, transfer the corn to a mixing bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo: While the corn sautés, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a low boil in a saucepan. Add 2 cups of orzo pasta, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain any remaining broth using a colander.
- Combine Ingredients: In the mixing bowl with the sautéed corn, add the cooked orzo, lemon zest, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the lemon orzo and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- Using fresh corn adds natural sweetness and texture, but canned corn can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest amounts to suit your preferred level of citrus brightness.
- Parmesan can be substituted with pecorino Romano or another hard cheese for variation.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
