Creamy Orzo with Lemon and Peas ! This 20 minute, one pot Instant Pot pasta is full of flavors and super easy to make. Instant Pot and Stove top instructions are included.

Looking to make a fuss free meal that is hearty, comforting yet full of fresh vibes ? THIS. is. it ! Quick, simple, easy and delish!!

Al dente orzo pasta, buttery garlic and sweet peas along with a fresh pop of lemon make magic in this meatless recipe that will please everyone. Like a spring breeze amidst winter blues.

RISOTTO STYLE PASTA

This Risotto Style Lemon Peas Orzo is made in a light creamy sauce and all made in one pot! It gets done in half the time of Risotto and without actively cooking it.

This family favorite vegetarian pasta recipe is satisfying and delicious. It incorporates all wonderful Mediterranean flavors of olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs and cheese.

We add just enough water to cook the pasta. The starchy water thus creates wonderful creamy texture. Adding a bit of cheese makes it ultra smooth and deliciously rich.

Just a handful of ingredients and quick cooking time makes it one of the 5 star recipes in our weekly meal rotation. It also is very easy to customize.

You can use this fresh and delicious pasta as a main meal or a side dish. Either way, everyone will love it ...kids and adults alike !

This vegetarian pasta recipe also is budget friendly. We are using inexpensive ingredients to make gourmet meals.

Another great thing about this orzo recipe is that you can serve it hot or cold. So if you feel like changing the usual mac and cheese, serve it warm. If your mood is for salad, serve it cold or at room temperature.

One pot meals are weeknight saviors. LOVE the ease and convenience of making a quick dinner and easy clean up!

What to serve with Instant Pot Orzo

If you want to make it as a main meal, serve it with crusty baguette or garlic bread. You can also pair it with side salad or light soups like

If you wish to serve it as a side dish, you can treat it like a salad along with any grilled meats and veggies.

Leftovers

This Lemon Peas Orzo pasta tastes great if you have leftovers. Place it in an airtight container and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

It is ideal meal prep since it makes a great lunch the following day. So go ahead and double or triple the recipe.

I prefer to drizzle over about 1 tablespoon olive oil over leftovers so pasta stays separated and prevents clumping together.

What Is Orzo?

Orzo is rice-shaped pasta. It is also known as risoni. It is a short cut pasta about the size of long grain rice.

Is Orzo Gluten Free ?

No. Orzo is typically not gluten free. It is made with wheat ( either white flour or whole grain )

What can I use instead of Orzo

As an Orzo pasta substitute, you can use any other short cut pasta like Ditalini or Orecchiette . Arborio rice ( used in making Risotto) is a great alternative. Couscous or quinoa also works.

Is this recipe VEGAN

I am using plant based cheese so this recipe is Vegan. You can use regular cheese as well. Nutritional yeast is a great alternative as well.

INGREDIENTS

The ingredient list is short and sweet! Chances are good you might even have most of these ingredients in your fridge and pantry right now. Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card.

ORZO - The star ingredient. Use whole wheat variety for healthy choice.
Sweet Peas - You can use fresh or frozen.
Minced Garlic
Seasoning - I am using store brought Italian Seasoning Mix
Broth or Water - To make it creamy add half broth and half milk or heavy cream.
Olive oil or Butter
Cheese - Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast
Lemon juice
Salt, Ground black pepper, fresh basil and red chili flakes for optional garnish.

Top Tips and Recipe Variations

Use different veggies - Besides peas, add as many veggies as you like. Some great options include zucchini, mushrooms, baby spinach, broccoli and asparagus.
Add some beans or lentils for some protein boost. For meat eaters, shrimp, chicken, or sausage work well.
To make it creamier, you can choose half broth (water) and half milk combination.
Drizzle some truffle oil on top for divine flavors.
You can also use different cheese like Italian Cheese Mix or feta cheese. ( use plant based for vegan )
You can serve this recipe as Orzo Pasta Salad as well.

I am including instructions to make this recipe on the stove top as well. Check recipe card for those instructions. Love using my Dutch Oven for this wonderful recipe.

How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Orzo with Lemon and Peas?

Press the SAUTE button on Instant Pot. Once it displays HOT, add the Oil or butter.
Add the Orzo and minced garlic. Stir for a couple minutes till orzo gets toasty.
Add the seasoning, sweet peas and broth. Stir well. Cancel SAUTE.
Place the lid on. Set the Steam Release Knob to Sealing position.
Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button and select 4 minutes.
When the cooking has finished, wait for a couple minutes and release the pressure by moving the Steam Release Knob to the Venting position (Quick Pressure Release).
When the silver pin in the lid drops down, open the lid. Let the steam settle down.
Stir in the cheese and lemon juice. Using the fork, gently fluff the pasta and mix it well.
Add salt and freshly ground pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Serve warm. Bon Appetit.

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Creamy Orzo with Lemon and Peas