Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Toasted Orzo
A vibrant pilaf where toasted orzo pasta is cooked with rice, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a bright, fragrant side dish. This mediterranean-inspired rice & grains ready in about 30 minutes pairs long grain white rice, orzo pasta, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 1/2 cup orzo pasta and toast, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until the orzo turns golden brown with a nutty aroma.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup long grain white rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains with butter and orzo mixture for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 1/4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir once and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let the pilaf rest covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Toasted Orzo take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (5 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Toasted Orzo?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long grain white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Toasted Orzo?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Toasted Orzo for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Toasted Orzo?
Mediterranean rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at my dinner party! The lemon and orzo made it so fresh.
- ★★★★☆
The flavors were good, but I thought it was a bit bland without the lemon zest. Still tasty though.
