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Three bowls filled with creamy lemon orzo with peas made in Instant Pot.
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4.48 from 19 votes

Creamy Orzo with Lemon and Peas

Creamy Lemon and Peas Orzo is a quick and easy one pot pasta recipe. This vegetarian orzo is delicious as a side dish or main meal.
Prep Time0 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 cups
Calories: 369kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil or butter
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 cups Low sodium Broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 8 oz Orzo Pasta 1 ½ cups dry
  • ½ cup sweet peas
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper - adjust per taste
  • Red pepper flakes - optional for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Basil Leaves optional garnish

Instructions

INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS :

  • 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 !

STOVE TOP INSTRUCTIONS :

  • On a medium high heat warm up oil or butter in a heavy bottom sauce pan or Dutch Oven.
  • Add the Orzo and minced garlic. Stir for a couple minutes till orzo gets toasty. Add the seasoning, sweet peas and broth. Stir well.
  • Let it come to boil. stirring few times cook for 10 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced.
  • Check the texture of the pasta. It should be soft and tender and not mushy. ( al dente) Turn off the cooking heat.
  • 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 !

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 728mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g