Orzo is perfect for a simple side dish. It goes great with chicken, steak or fish!
This easy recipe only takes about 15 minutes to make. If you’re not familiar with orzo it’s actually pasta that’s shaped like rice.
Orzo is a great side dish all year round, but adding lemon to it makes it perfect for summer.
Instead of cooking my orzo in water I like cooking it in broth for extra flavor.
I like using Better Than Bouillon instead of canned chicken broth. It has a delicious flavor!
Plus I always have it on hand. All you do is mix 1 teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon with 1 cup of boiling water.
What you need to make Lemon Garlic Orzo:
- Orzo
- Better Than Bouillon or chicken broth
- Lemon
- Light butter
- Garlic clove
- Parsley
- Salt and black pepper
How to make Lemon Garlic Orzo:
Add the water and Better Than Bouillon to a saucepan. Bring to a boil then stir in the orzo. Cover with a lid and turn the heat to low. The orzo should be simmering.
Set a timer for 10 minutes and stir occasionally.
To give this orzo the lemon flavor we’re going to use the fresh lemon juice and some of the zest.
Use a lemon zester to get a teaspoon of the zest. Set it aside for now.
In a small frying pan melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice and set aside.
Once the orzo is done cooking and the liquid is absorbed stir in the garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and parsley.
You could make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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Yield: 6 servings (about 1/3 cup per serving)
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- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon (chicken)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon light butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Add the water and Better Than Bouillon to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Set a timer for 10 minutes.
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Melt the butter in a small frying pan and add the garlic. Cook for 30 seconds while stirring.
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Use a lemon zester to get 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
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Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the garlic.
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Once the orzo is done cooking and the broth has been absorbed, add in the garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and parsley. Stir together and serve.
Here are some more WW friendly recipes:
If you’re looking for some zero point recipes, check out my post 20 Zero Point Recipes or my post 20 (More) Zero Point Recipes. Both are filled with delicious recipes that won’t cost you a single point! They’re perfect for days when you’re running low on points, or trying to save up points for a night out.
If you’re looking for dessert recipes you can visit 50 Weight Watchers Freestyle Desserts. It’s filled with delicious desserts perfect for Weight Watchers!
Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 100 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!
How many smart points is this recipe? Freestyle program?