Creamy lemon orzo with whipped ricotta is a fantastic and easy to make meal. This bright and vibrant dish is fabulous for a weeknight dinner and also perfect for a date night in.

If you are looking for another creamy lemon pasta recipe, then check out my Pasta al Limone, and if you are in the mood for more orzo recipes, try my Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup!

Lemon Orzo with Whipped Ricotta is one of my favorite pasta dishes and an excuse to put citrus to good use. When citrus season hits, I keep this dish on heavy rotation.

Why This Recipe Works

Easy to make. Lemon orzo is simple and straightforward recipes are my favorite and this one of them.
30 minute meal. Before you start ordering takeout, read through this lemony orzo pasta recipe and you are just 30 minutes away from a delicious meal.
Highly flavorful. Lemon parmesan orzo makes for the best combo of flavors, paired with a lemon whipped ricotta and you have yourself a knockout meal.

Ingredients to Make Lemon Orzo with Whipped Ricotta

This warm orzo recipe has a short list of ingredients and promises BIG on flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Lemon Orzo Pasta:

Fats – I use olive oil and salted butter.
Aromatics – Shallot and garlic are the perfect duo.
Pasta – ½ cup of orzo, perfect for serving two.
Lemon – Juice and zest are used to make this bright and vibrant dish.
Seasonings – Kosher salt and black pepper, seasoned to taste.
Cheese – Parmigiano reggiano, and a little pecorino romano. Be sure to only use freshly grated cheese.

Whipped Ricotta

Ricotta – Use whole milk ricotta that is very cold and drained of excess liquid.
Olive oil – Added for a little richness.
Garlic – Brings the flavors full-circle.
Lemon zest – For a hint of zing.
Kosher salt – To bring out the subtle, light flavor of the ricotta.

How to Make Whipped Ricotta

Lemon orzo holds its own, but the savory whipped ricotta really drives the dish home. The best part is that it is so easy to make! Be sure to make it just before starting on the lemon orzo.

Keep in mind that you will have leftover whipped ricotta. Simply double the recipe to use up all of the whipped ricotta or store in a refrigerator-safe container for up to 4 days. Whipped ricotta also serves as a great dip!

Add all ingredients for whipped ricotta to a food processor and blend on “high” until fluffy. Set aside.

How to Make Lemon Orzo

Whipping up this creamy lemon orzo happens in a flash, so be sure to have all of your ingredients ready.

Step 1: Add olive oil and butter to a medium pan over medium-high heat. Once butter melts, add shallot and garlic. Sweat the mixture for 5 minutes, careful to not let the mixture brown and lower the heat, if needed.

Step 2: Add orzo and toast for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add water then bring to a boil. Keep a consistent stir so as to encourage the release of starches and to keep orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan. After about 5 minutes, or when orzo is very al dente, add grated parmesan, pecorino, lemon zest, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute.

Add butter and stir in lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt, if needed.

Step 4: Place desired amount of whipped ricotta in a shallow bowl, with the outer edges thicker with ricotta than the middle. Ladle creamy orzo into the center, then top with black pepper, parmesan and olive oil. Enjoy immediately.

Tips and Tricks

Keep a consistent stir of the orzo. This not only helps release the starch from the pasta but also keeps it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Make sure ricotta is cold before whipping. Similar to when making whipped cream, the ricotta must be very cold just before whipping as this helps to incorporate air into it.
Remove as much moisture from ricotta for best results. This will give you fluffy whipped ricotta that feels as light as a cloud.
Do not use pre-shredded cheese. By parmesan and pecorino by the block and grated it just before adding it to the pasta.
Use whole milk ricotta. Not only will it taste better but it will also whip up fluffier.
Use a hand mixer or food processor. To get that perfectly whipped goodness. If using a hand-mixer, use the whisk attachment.

creamy-lemon-orzo-whipped-ricotta-recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make orzo ahead of time?

It’s best to make lemon orzo when you are ready to eat it. I do not recommend making it ahead of time.

How long does it take to make orzo?

Cooking orzo should take about 6-8 minutes. The end result should be al dente.

How long does whipped ricotta last?

Place leftover whipped ricotta in an air sealed container for up to four days.

Looking for More Pasta Recipes?

Loving this Recipe?

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