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I am always on the hunt for the perfect side dish, especially in the summer when it is time for all that grilled meat. Those that easily pair with whatever meat I am planning to cook for the evening, and this gluten-free lemon garlic orzo pasta recipe is a best friend to just about any main dish!

She is creamy with the cheese and heavy cream, and delightfully fresh with the lemon and fresh herbs. And the key to the gluten-free component is finding a good gluten-free pasta. And the king among gluten free pastas is Jovial. I love all their pasta options and the orzo pasta is no exception!

Full steam ahead to the lemon orzo recipe I could eat all summer long!

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

Naturally creamy without needing a complicated sauce.
One-pan recipe for easy cleanup.
Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Bright lemon flavor balances the richness of the Parmesan and cream.
Versatile side dish that pairs with chicken, steak, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Easy to customize with your favorite herbs or proteins.
Family-friendly while still feeling elegant enough for entertaining.

Ingredients:

4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice)
12 ounces gluten-free orzo, uncooked
3¾ cups chicken broth, or vegetable broth
? cup heavy cream, room temperature
1? cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if desired
?–½ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced or chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Sauté the aromatics: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the minced (or grated) garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as it can become bitter.
Toast the orzo: Add the uncooked gluten-free orzo to the skillet and stir to coat it in the lemon-garlic mixture. Cook for 1 additional minute, stirring frequently. Toasting the orzo enhances its flavor and helps it maintain its texture.
Cook the orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. The orzo should be al dente, tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
Make it creamy: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the Parmesan is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Finish and serve: Let the orzo simmer uncovered for 3–4 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
Enjoy! Serve warm with extra grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and a little extra lemon peel, if desired. You could sprinkle a little red pepper flakes atop if desired! This creamy lemon garlic orzo pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.

Perfect Pairings:

This creamy lemon garlic orzo is delicious served alongside:

Grilled or baked chicken breasts
Lemon herb salmon
Garlic butter shrimp
Pan-seared steak
Roasted pork tenderloin
Grilled asparagus or roasted broccoli, or roasted green veggies
Green beans with almonds
Fresh garden salad with a simple vinaigrette
Gluten-free focaccia or crusty gluten-free bread for soaking up the creamy sauce
White Wine for the beverage choice is always a win

Tips and Tricks:

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
Toast the orzo first. Cooking the dry orzo for a minute before adding the broth creates a richer, nuttier flavor.
Stir occasionally while simmering. Gluten-free pasta can settle and stick to the bottom of the pan if left undisturbed.
Keep the heat low after adding the cream. High heat can cause dairy to separate.
Adjust the consistency. If the orzo thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream before serving.
Taste before adding salt. Parmesan and chicken broth both contribute saltiness, so you may not need much additional salt.
Serve immediately. This dish is at its creamiest right after cooking, though leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Summary:

This Creamy Gluten-Free Garlic Lemon Orzo Pasta is a simple one-pan side pasta dish that’s packed with bright, fresh flavor. Tender orzo is simmered in chicken broth until perfectly cooked, then finished with rich Parmesan, heavy cream, fresh basil, and plenty of lemon for a silky, restaurant-quality dish. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to seafood, making it an easy addition to busy weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Check out the recipe card below for this easy recipe that happens to be exceptionally delicious!

Happy cooking!