Quick Lemony Lamb and Pea Orzo

I absolutely adore this Quick Lemony Lamb and Pea Orzo because it tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to whip up on a weeknight. The combination of savory lamb, sweet peas, and a bright, zesty lemon flavor is just divine. Plus, it all cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup, which is always a win in my book! Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this recipe incredibly forgiving and rewarding.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground lamb and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the dry orzo pasta, coating it with the lamb and onion mixture. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Stir in the frozen peas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or a lemon wedge if desired.