Lemon Garlic Orzo Pasta Recipes

LEMON ORZO

Steps:

• Simmer 1 cup orzo in a saucepan with 2 1/2 cups water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried mint, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 2 strips lemon zest, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly. Stir in 2 chopped scallions, the juice of 1 lemon, and salt to taste.

LEMON & GARLIC ORZO PASTA

Steps:

• 1. Cook Orzo pasta according to directions on box till Al dente', usually about 8 or 9 minutes. Drain and set aside till needed. To make this a complete meal add sautéed boneless skinless chicken breast chunks or strips to it & additional vegetables.
• 2. Please note that Orzo Pasta is SHAPED LIKE RICE, but requires less cooking time. Is found in the pasta section of most larger grocery stores.
• 3. Add butter and olive oil to a large skillet, heat over medium high heat. Add chopped vegetables, and cook till translucent about 5 to 7 minutes.
• 4. Next add pasta and stir to blend together. Then add salt pepper, chive, lemon pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice squeezed from lemon. Stir and cook a couple of minutes.
• 5. Then add the dripping from baked chicken or Chicken broth, which ever you prefer. Allow to tighten up a bit, (some of liquid is absorbed.)
• 6. Add the Romano cheese and stir till cheese melts. Add additional chopped chive if desired.
• 7. Garnish as I did, if desired, by using a pyramid shaped mold. Spray inside of mold with non stick butter flavored cooking spray. Then pack orzo into mold till mold is filled, unmold onto a plate if desired and garnish with lemon slices or wedges, chopped chives and grape tomato halves. Sprinkle a little lemon pepper on the perimeter of the plate if desired. Serve your impressive presentation to guest and watch them devour it.
• 8. I forgot to show you the mold that I used for the presentation. This one is made of metal, but they also make them in a plastic form, I though the metal one would better suit my needs. It comes in various sizes, I purchased the largest one, because that way I can always use less in the mold to create a smaller one.