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lemon & garlic orzo pasta

(1 RATING)
107 Pinches 12 Photos
cookinginillinois avatar
Sauk Village, IL
Updated on May 22, 2013

My daughter Briana surprised me & came home on yesterday, & because she & her boyfriend loves Pasta & LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN SO MUCH, I created this dish for them to compliment the chicken. I have several version of this recipe that I make from time to time, & no matter which version I make it is always good. The flavors are awesome, & this dish is so tasty & full of flavor. I thought I would change it up a bit & make a beautiful presentation since you eat with your eyes first, even before the first bite. The mold I used makes it look like I am a professional, but I 'm not.

prep time 15 Min
cook time 25 Min
method Stove Top
yield 6 or more depending on portion size

Ingredients

  • 1 pound box orzo pasta (i used barilla) cooked by package directions
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6-8 - mini sweet peppers (chopped or cut into strips or rings) assorted colors
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 large bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium shallot chopped
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper(no salt added)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 medium lemon (zest & juice)
  • 1/2-1 pint grape tomatoes halved
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped chive
  • 1-1 1/2 cups shredded romano cheese
  • 1/2-3/4 cup pan drippings from baked chicken (or use chicken broth)
  • - garnish if desired, grape tomatoes, chive, lemon slices,lemon pepper

How To Make lemon & garlic orzo pasta

  • Step 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.
  • Step 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.
  • Step 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.
  • Step 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.
  • Step 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.)
  • Step 6
    Add the Romano cheese and stir till cheese melts. Add additional chopped chive if desired.
  • Step 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.
  • The pyramid used to make the Mold shaped Lemon Garlic Orzo Pasta.
    Step 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.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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