Gluten-Free Lemon Parmesan Orzo

Bright and zesty, this gluten-free pasta dish features tender GF orzo pasta coated in a vibrant lemon-parmesan sauce. It's a quick and satisfying side that bursts with fresh, savory flavors and a delightful al dente texture.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Total: 20 min Serves: 4

At a glance: This easy salads and sides recipe yields 4 servings in about 20 minutes (10 min prep, 10 min cook). It uses 9 ingredients — including gluten-free orzo pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic — and walks through 5 steps. Updated October 25, 2026. Browse more salads and sides recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.

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Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Lemon Parmesan Orzo: When preparing this salads and sides recipe, gluten-free orzo looks almost exactly like wheat orzo, so keep the packages apart, and use broth labeled gluten-free. Grated Parmesan should carry the same label.

Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Lemon Parmesan Orzo: This recipe is naturally gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo pasta and avoiding any gluten-containing grains. Always double-check ingredient labels for certification.

Scale Recipe:

servings

Ingredient amounts update automatically

Ingredients

Shop links on this page are for gluten-free orzo pasta, gluten-free vegetable broth. Buy the package that says gluten-free. A shared production line is the usual risk with these pantry items. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm the product is labeled gluten-free before you buy.

8 oz gluten-free orzo pasta Shop
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup gluten-free vegetable broth Shop
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1 Cook the gluten-free orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, and set aside.
2 While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
3 Pour in the gluten-free vegetable broth and fresh lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4 Add the drained gluten-free orzo pasta to the skillet with the broth mixture. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative), chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce, about 1-2 minutes.
5 If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving)

307

Calories

13g

Protein

23g

Carbs

Fat

Fiber

269mg

Sodium

Tips & Notes

Gluten-free orzo releases less starch than regular orzo. Save the cooking water, as step 1 says, to help the sauce come together.
Add the Parmesan off the heat so it melts smoothly instead of clumping.
Add a little lemon zest along with the juice for a brighter lemon flavor.

Common questions

What cross-contamination risk is specific to Gluten-Free Lemon Parmesan Orzo?

Check gluten-free orzo pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, minced before they go into Gluten-Free Lemon Parmesan Orzo. Gluten-free orzo looks almost exactly like wheat orzo, so keep the packages apart, and use broth labeled gluten-free. Grated Parmesan should carry the same label.

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