Simple Lemon Orzo

1. 1
   boil · ~10 min

   Cook the orzo.

   1.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

   2.Add 0.5 tsp salt and the orzo, stir once.

   3.Boil until just tender, about 8-10 minutes.

   4.Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain the orzo in a colander.
2. 2
   saute · ~2 min

   Sauté the garlic in butter.

   1.Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.

   2.Add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant, about 1 minute.

   3.Keep the heat low — garlic burns fast and turns bitter.

   TIPSauté garlic on medium-low heat. High heat makes it brown and bitter in seconds.
3. 3
   mix · ~2 min

   Toss orzo with lemon butter sauce.

   1.Add the drained orzo to the pan with the garlic butter.

   2.Pour in the lemon juice and olive oil. Toss well to coat.

   3.Add a splash of reserved pasta water if it looks dry.

   4.Stir in the lemon zest and black pepper.

   5.Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.

   TIPThe reserved pasta water is starchy gold — it helps the sauce cling to every grain of orzo.
4. 4
   garnish

   Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

   Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top just before serving. Serve alongside grilled proteins or roasted vegetables.

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