Wednesday, March 11, 2026
HomeCookingHam Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas – Fast & Straightforward Dinner

Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas – Fast & Straightforward Dinner


This put up might comprise references to merchandise from a number of of our advertisers. Oh Candy Basil might obtain compensation once you click on on hyperlinks to such merchandise.

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!

A grey le creuset pan with ham lemon orzo with parmesan and peas and carrots and little bits of thyme.

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.

A close up shot with ham lemon orzo with parmesan and peas and carrots and little bits of thyme.

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!

Carrian Cheney

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!

A vintage blue patterned bowl on a white and yellow napkin filled with quick and easy lemon orzo, ham, peas, carrots and parmesan cheese!

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 roostershrimp, 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

Carrian Cheney

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!

A vintage blue patterned bowl on a white and yellow napkin filled with quick and easy lemon orzo, ham, peas, carrots and parmesan cheese with lemons and thyme in the background

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.

An enameled pan with creamy pasta with pork and vegetables topped with cracked pepper and cheese.

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.

Extra HAM RECIPES You Will Love:

 

Watch Learn how to Make This Wholesome Dinner

  • In a skillet over medium warmth, add the olive oil and pasta.

    1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, 1 ½ Cups Dry Orzo Pasta

  • Prepare dinner, stirring sometimes till toasted, about 30-60 seconds.

  • Add garlic and stir it in adopted by broth and thyme.

    2 Cloves Garlic, 3 ½ Cups Rooster Broth, 1 teaspoon Contemporary Thyme Leaves

  • Carry to a boil, cowl the skillet with a lid and switch right down to a simmer for 8-10 minutes or till the pasta has absorbed the water and is tender.

  • Take away the lid and add the lemon zest, juice, ham, carrots and peas and stir till the peas are vivid and cooked.

    1 Lemon, ½ Lemon, 1 Cup Ham, 1 Cup Steamed Carrots, 1 ½ Cups Peas

  • Add the cheese and salt and pepper to style and serve instantly.

    ⅓ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, Contemporary Cracked Pepper, Salt and Pepper

Retailer left overs within the fridge for 3-4 days.

Serving: 1cup, Energy: 368kcal, Carbohydrates: 60g, Protein: 16g, Fats: 7g, Saturated Fats: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fats: 4g, Ldl cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 1050mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 10g

Vitamin data is robotically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.

A grey le creuset pan with ham lemon orzo with parmesan and peas and carrots and little bits of thyme.
RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments