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This fast and straightforward Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas is the good weeknight dinner. Shiny and stuffed with taste, it comes collectively in beneath half-hour with easy elements you most likely have already got readily available.
It’s a one-pan meal that feels contemporary and satisfying with none further effort. Add it to you record of one of the best leftover ham recipes!

Our lemon orzo recipe turned such a reader favourite that we needed to make a heartier model for many who need slightly extra to dig into. This lemon orzo with peas and ham has all the intense taste you’re keen on, with tender carrots and little bites of savory ham blended in. Easter at all times means ham at our home, and this recipe is considered one of my favourite methods to benefit from the leftovers.

Substances For Ham Lemon Orzo
This fast weeknight pasta comes along with easy elements you most likely have already got in your kitchen. Every one provides its personal layer of taste! From the savory ham to the intense lemon zest and creamy Parmesan. Right here’s what you’ll must make this cozy dinner:
- Additional Virgin Olive Oil: Helps toast the orzo and provides richness.
- Orzo Pasta: A small pasta that cooks to al dente rapidly and soaks up taste superbly.
- Garlic: Provides depth and savory aroma.
- Rooster Broth: Infuses the orzo with taste because it cooks.
- Contemporary Thyme: Brings a refined earthy notice that pairs completely with ham and lemon.
- Lemon Zest: Provides a vivid citrus punch.
- Lemon Juice: Enhances freshness and balances the richness.
- Ham: Savory, salty taste that makes this meal hearty.
- Steamed Carrots: Add coloration and a contact of sweetness.
- Peas: Carry texture and a pop of spring taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides creaminess and salty depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to style.
Each ingredient performs its half in creating the proper stability of creamy and comforting. Maintain them readily available! When you’ve made this as soon as, you’ll wish to whip it up repeatedly.
Peas Professional Tip!

Do you know you don’t should cook dinner frozen peas in any respect? They’ve already been cooked so simply place them in a bowl of lukewarm water after which drain. Add these vivid, contemporary peas to any dish!

Learn how to Make this Lemon Parmesan Orzo
This one-skillet dinner is quick, simple, and excellent for busy weeknights. Observe these fast steps for orzo, creamy Parmesan, and that contemporary pop of lemon and peas in each chunk.
- Toast: The key for good Orzo! Warmth olive oil in a big skillet over medium warmth. Add orzo and stir till calmly golden and aromatic, about 30–60 seconds.
- Simmer: Add garlic, rooster broth, and thyme. Carry to a boil, cowl, and scale back the warmth to low. Prepare dinner for 8–10 minutes, till the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
- Brighten: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, ham, carrots, and peas. Prepare dinner simply till the peas are vivid inexperienced and every thing is heated by.
- End: Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to style. Serve heat, topped with further cheese if desired.
That’s it! A flavorful and comforting meal in beneath half-hour. That is the BEST ORZO RECIPE! Serve it as a major dish or a facet dish with grilled rooster, shrimp, or salmon. Both approach, this easy orzo recipe is assured to be a brand new household favourite! See extra detailed directions within the recipe card under.
Make Completely Cooked Orzo

Orzo could be a little tough in the event you’re new to cooking it, however right here’s the key: toast it first! That fast golden toast provides a nutty taste and helps it cook dinner up completely. Simply you’ll want to measure fastidiously so the liquid absorbs good. Not like spaghetti, orzo isn’t drained; it soaks up all that flavorful broth because it cooks, turning right into a completely tender pasta, proper within the pot.
Ham Lemon Orzo Variations
This rice-sized orzo pasta is the good technique to pack in all of your favourite veggies whereas nonetheless feeling cozy. I like to cut the greens small so each chunk will get slightly little bit of every thing! However truthfully, something goes.
Toss in a handful of spinach, asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, and even some contemporary herbs like contemporary basil, contemporary parsley, or contemporary dill. End it off with a splash of heavy cream and a pat of butter for an excellent richer end!

Storing and Reheating Ham Lemon Orzo
Maintain leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of rooster inventory, vegetable broth, or water, keep away from the microwave in the event you can to maintain the feel creamy.

This Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas is the sort of fast, flavorful dinner you’ll maintain coming again to. It’s creamy, comforting, and stuffed with vivid spring taste! Excellent for utilizing up leftover ham or including one thing contemporary to your weeknight rotation. One skillet, easy elements, and dinner’s finished.
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Watch Learn how to Make This Wholesome Dinner


