Cheesy Orzo Pasta Recipe
Cheesy Orzo - a simple and delicious cheesy orzo recipe that is packed with flavor and the perfect side dish for any meal!
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 1 1/2 cup orzo
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt more to taste
- 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 simmer, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until cooked al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Drain and return orzo to the pan but remove from heat.
- Add butter, salt, pepper, a little lemon zest and the cheese. Gently stir to combine - the cheese will take a minute to fully melt. Add splashes of the reserved pasta water to thin out and make the consistency more creamy.
- Taste and add any additional salt, pepper or lemon zest.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Broth: you can use all water, BUT for best results use the recommended chicken broth - it really brings in a ton of added flavor!
- Lemon Zest: we don't want it to taste too lemony, that tiny bit of zest goes a long way and just amplifies the flavor by adding a bit of acidity!
- Storage: store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Serving: we love serving this with these Oven Baked Meatballs and if you want to add some veggies, we suggest Easy Steamed Broccoli!
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