Herb Butter Orzo Pasta (Print)

Creamy orzo tossed with herbs, garlic, and lemon for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 cup orzo pasta

→ Herb Butter

02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
06 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - Zest of 1/2 lemon

→ Seasoning

09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional

→ Liquid

12 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water

# Directions:

01 - Bring a medium saucepan filled with salted water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook following package directions until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of cooking liquid for later use.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until aromatic and lightly softened.
03 - Add chopped parsley, basil, chives, and thyme to the skillet. Stir continuously for 1 minute, allowing herbs to infuse the butter.
04 - Transfer the drained orzo to the skillet. Gently toss to thoroughly coat the pasta in the herb butter mixture.
05 - If orzo appears dry, gradually add a portion of the reserved cooking liquid, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
06 - Incorporate lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese if desired. Mix gently until evenly combined and orzo is creamy.
07 - Sample the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This orzo soaks up the butter and herbs like a secret cheat code for comfort food joy.
  • It’s the rare dish that wins over picky eaters and herb fanatics alike.
02 -
  • If the garlic turns brown, it can cast a bitter shadow over the whole pan—keep an eye (and nose) on it.
  • A little reserved pasta water added at the end transforms the texture from sticky to luxuriously creamy.
03 -
  • Rinsing cooked orzo before combining is a common mistake—skip it, or you’ll lose precious starch and creaminess.
  • Finishing the dish off heat keeps the herbs bright and green, instead of muddy and dull.
Back