Sometimes, the best meals are the simplest ones especially when you’re craving comfort in a bowl. This Creamy One-Pan Lemon Parmesan Pastina is the perfect example of that. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, all made in one pan in under 20 minutes! With a little help from chicken bone broth, it’s packed with protein and makes the perfect meal on its own or as a side. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and requires just a few ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or as a comforting lunch, this dish is sure to satisfy!
Method:
creamy one pan lemon parmesan pastina start by preparing the base. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped shallots and mashed garlic to the pan. Stir occasionally and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the shallots to soften and the garlic to release its fragrant aroma. This step forms the flavorful foundation of your pasta.
Next, add lemon and pasta. Squeeze the juice from both lemons and add the zest of one lemon to the skillet. Stir to combine the lemony goodness with the shallots and garlic. Then, add the pastina (or orzo, if you prefer) into the skillet and pour in the chicken bone broth and heavy cream. Mix everything well to coat the pasta evenly in the liquids. The creamy broth will slowly absorb into the pasta as it cooks, creating that delicious creamy texture.
Now, cook the pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the pasta simmer for about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the pan and that the liquid absorbs evenly. You’ll know the pasta is done when it’s al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, leaving behind a rich, creamy sauce.
Once the pasta is cooked, finish with cheese and parsley. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding creaminess and a delicious cheesy flavor. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.Finally, serve and enjoy. Plate the pasta and top with a little extra parmesan for an extra cheesy finish. Serve hot, and enjoy this comforting bowl of creamy goodness!
Necessary Tools
- Non-stick skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Zester for the lemon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Creamy One Pan Lemon Parmesan Pastina: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large shallots, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, mashed
2 lemons, juiced and 1 zested
1 cup pastina (I used stelline, but orzo is another great option)
2 cups chicken bone broth
1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the finely chopped shallots and mashed garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots begin to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add Lemon and Pasta: Add the juice and zest of the lemons to the skillet. Stir everything together, and then add the pastina (or orzo) to the pan. Pour in the chicken bone broth and heavy cream. Mix everything well to coat the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the pasta cook for about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente, and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The creamy broth will be absorbed into the pasta, giving it that rich, comforting texture.
- Finish with Cheese and Parsley: Once the pasta is ready, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy coating.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta and top with a little extra parmesan for that cheesy, delicious finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Watch the Heat: When cooking the shallots and garlic, make sure the heat is medium and not too high. You don’t want to burn them, just soften them to release their flavors.
- Adjust the Creaminess: Depending on your preferred level of creaminess, feel free to add a little more broth or cream while the pasta is cooking. You can always adjust it to your liking.
- Adjust the Creaminess: Depending on your preferred level of creaminess, feel free to add a little more broth or cream while the pasta is cooking. You can always adjust it to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
- Add Protein: For extra protein, you can serve this pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a fried egg on top.
- Veggies: Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, to add some fresh greens to the meal.
- Make it a Meal: This pasta is great on its own, but if you want to make it even heartier, serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.
Fun Fact
Did you know that pastina is an Italian word that means “little pasta”? It’s usually used in soups or broths, but in this recipe, it becomes the star of a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of year!
Conclusion
This Creamy One-Pan Lemon Parmesan Pastina is exactly what you need when you’re craving a comforting, quick, and easy meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you get a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness with a burst of fresh lemon flavor. Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with protein and veggies, this dish is sure to be a hit every time. Enjoy the simplicity of comfort food made easy!
