Description
This Greek Lemon Herb Orzo Dinner is a bright and flavorful dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked with fresh lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and tangy feta cheese. Enhanced with garlic, onions, and cherry tomatoes, this easy skillet meal can be enjoyed on its own or served with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Broth
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Optional
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo well and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not browned.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Orzo and Flavorings: Add the cooked orzo back into the skillet along with the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Until Tender: Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, so the orzo absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender, about 5 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh mint.
- Serve: Serve the Greek Lemon Herb Orzo hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. Optionally, top with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit chicken or shrimp.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for desired brightness.
- Fresh herbs really enhance the flavor, so avoid dried parsley and mint if possible.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp make this a more substantial meal.
