Description
A comforting dish with creamy cheese and tender orzo, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups colby jack cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Add chicken broth and water to a medium saucepan.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Add orzo and let it simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until cooked al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Drain the orzo and return it to the pan, but remove it from heat.
- Add butter, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and cheese. Gently stir to combine until the cheese melts.
- Add splashes of the reserved pasta water to thin out the mixture for a creamier consistency.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon zest if needed.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For creaminess, add extra cheese or mix in other cheeses like parmesan. Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: orzo, cheesy pasta, quick meals, vegetarian recipe