Description
A vibrant and creamy Mediterranean-inspired side dish featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and creamy ricotta cheese, perfect for a quick and delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Base
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheeses and Herbs
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
For Serving (Optional)
- Extra olive oil
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic. In the same pot or a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Ingredients. Remove the pot from heat. Add the cooked orzo back into the pot with garlic and olive oil. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the pasta is creamy and all ingredients are fully combined.
- Adjust Consistency and Season. If the mixture seems too thick or dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve. Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving to preserve their freshness. Drizzle with extra olive oil and serve alongside lemon wedges if desired for an additional zesty kick.
Notes
- This dish is a perfect versatile side that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a hearty main course.
- For a nutritional boost, swap regular orzo with whole-wheat orzo to increase fiber content.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, try substituting ricotta with vegan cream cheese alternatives.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
