Looking for a side dish for dinner? Whip up this Parmesan-kissed Lemon Orzo with kale and cherry tomatoes. It’s fresh and flavorful!
This quick cooking rice-shaped pasta is easily one of my favorites.
When I found myself with lots of extra kale and cherry tomatoes to use up, I knew a tasty little orzo dish was the way to go!
Tossing this pint-sized pasta with fresh veggies in a speedy lemon parmesan sauce was nothing sort of magical. I can’t wait for you to try it!
serving suggestions for this tasty orzo side dish
This parmesan-kissed lemon orzo makes a lovely side dish for your favorite protein like grilled or roasted chicken or fish as well as alongside veggie burgers, various sandwiches, and so much more!
You can also serve it straight-up as a stand alone pasta dish that’s full of flavor!
Easy Lemon Orzo with Parmesan, Kale, and Cherry Tomatoes
Serving a crowd? Feel free to double the recipe if needed. You can also easily have the recipe if serving as a side dish for two. It’s super versatile and oh so tasty!
Have some left over? That’s cause for celebration! This dish reheats marvelously so feel free to save some for later.
Lemon Orzo with Parmesan, Kale, and Cherry Tomatoes
Looking for a side dish for dinner? Whip up this Parmesan-kissed Lemon Orzo with kale and cherry tomatoes. It's fresh and flavorful!
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 tsp oil
- 1 shallot
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 lemon , juiced
- 3 TBSP unsalted butter
- 1.5 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups kale , cleaned and chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
Instructions
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Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, approx 7-9 minutes. Drain orzo in a wire-mesh strainer and set aside.
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While orzo cooks chop kale, halve or quarter cherry tomatoes, and mince shallot.
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Next heat a pan to medium heat with ½ teaspoon olive oil. Add minced shallot to hot pan and stir often until tender, approx. 4-6 minutes.
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Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper (to taste) and add lemon juice and broth.
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Add orzo and kale and mix well until kale has wilted and some of the liquid has been absorbed into the pasta. Stir in tomatoes, Parmesan and butter, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste.
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Optional: serve with lemon wedges to add an extra burst of citrus flavor, if you'd like! Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!
If you get a chance to try this easy peasy lemon orzo recipe, let me know!
Leave some love in the comment form below or tag your photos with @peasandcrayons on Instagram so I can happy dance over your creation. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
oodles of orzo recipes
Around here we have a wee bit of an orzo obsession.
Since writing up my 8 awesome orzo recipes post, I’ve come up with several more to add to our recipe box including an epic Orzo Pasta Salad with chickpeas, edamame, and lots of veggies!
Looking for more ideas for your box of orzo pasta? Try these!
- POPULAR: One Pot Orzo Vegetable Soup
- Greek Orzo Salad – an easy + delicious pasta salad!
- READER FAVORITE: Mushroom Orzo Pasta
- Italian Sausage + Peppers Orzo via Taste and Tell
- Chickpea Lemon Orzo Soup – perfect for a cold day!
Sheila
I’m thinking this dish, which looks delicious, can be served either warm or cold, yes?
Jenn
Yes absolutely Sheila! I like it both ways honestly! Cold it’s like a pasta salad and warm it’s super cozy and comforting.
Amy
Yum–the whole family liked this one, and that’s saying something! We’ll be making this again.
Linda Lahey
The Lemon Orzo with kale and cherry tomatoes is one of our favourite dishes!
I use spinach instead of kale and cook a boneless chicken breast (cut it up) and it’s a meal for us! Delicious!
Amy Jackson
I’m looking to buy a cook book. Do you have one to purchase?
Jenn
Hi Amy! I don’t currently but hope to write one one someday! <3
Nellie Tracy
This is a great spring/summer recipe! My family loves it!
Jenn
Thanks Nellie!
Jessica
This was one of the best side dishes I’ve ever prepared. The whole family loved it despite having kale. LOL.
Jenn
Ahhh yay! So happy it was a hit!
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