Orzo with Lemony Leek Sauce

Brighten up your weeknight dinners with this cozy yet elegant Orzo with Lemony Leek Sauce! This quick 30-minute dish combines creamy orzo pasta with a velvety sauce made from sautéed leeks, fresh garlic, and a zesty burst of lemon. A touch of heavy cream and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese create a luscious, tangy base that clings to every tender grain of orzo, while a hint of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Perfect as a standalone vegetarian entrée or a side dish alongside grilled chicken or seafood, this recipe will impress your taste buds and dinner guests alike. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal or a bright, citrusy twist on pasta night, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups leeks (white and light green parts, thinly sliced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons parsley (freshly chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.

Step 3

Add the sliced leeks to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the leeks and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic brown.

Step 5

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 7

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 8

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Stir to coat the orzo evenly with the sauce.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 10

Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	840.3 grams (840.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1747

Total Fat 127.00g	163%
Saturated Fat 64.10g	320%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 277mg	92%
Sodium 3202mg	139%
Total Carbohydrate 85.90g	31%
Dietary Fiber 6.60g	24%
Total Sugars 8.60g
Protein 59.00g	118%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1418mg	109%
Iron 7mg	37%
Potassium 794mg	17%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.4%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 19.9%