20 Minute Lemon Butter Orzo Carbonara. (2024)

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20 Minute Lemon Butter Orzo Carbonara. This is the simplest way to make carbonara pasta. You need just one skillet and about 20 to 30 minutes. The orzo is toasted in lemon butter, garlic, and thyme, then cooked and tossed with eggs and parmesan to create that classic creamy carbonara sauce. It’s so delicious, and the bacon on top really finishes it off just wonderfully. A little extra parmesan and butter is all you need.

This recipe is so simple and perfect for anyone who really enjoys a delicious bowl of pasta for dinner. Carbonara is a pretty classic Italian pasta, usually made with bacon, eggs, lots of parmesan cheese, and a longer cut of pasta.

The secret to a great carbonara is the sauce. It consists of raw eggs and grated parmesan cheese. The eggs are tossed with the steaming pasta. As the tossing process takes place, the heat from the steaming pasta cooks the eggs, creating the silkiest, cheesiest pasta.

If you’re unfamiliar with this method, it might sound like a funny way to make pasta, but it really is so delicious. The sauce is rich and creamy!

My variation on this classic pasta is made simply in one skillet with orzo pasta, butter, fresh lemon, and thyme. I love this dish because it comes together so quickly and with minimal ingredients – yet it’s still so good!

It’s also great because I sometimes struggle with my pasta not being hot enough to fully cook the eggs in the sauce. This one-skillet method makes things easy and ensures the most perfect, silky, creamy sauce!

Here are the details

Step 1: cook the bacon

Bacon is essential to a yummy carbonara pasta. Use a thick-cut bacon and give it a nice chopping before cooking.

Be sure to cook the bacon in a skillet that will be large enough also to cook the pasta.

Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set aside for topping.

Step 2: cook the orzo

Now, in that same skillet, add a couple of slices of butter. Add the lemon slices, then the garlic and thyme. Mix in the orzo and let the orzo cook in the lemon butter for a couple of minutes until it’s lightly toasted.

Now mix in a few cups of water, plus the spinach. Let the orzo cook until it’s just al dente. Do not drain the pasta.

Step 3: mix the eggs with the Parmesan

While the orzo is cooking, whisk the eggs together with the parmesan cheese. I usually season with black peppers and chili flakes, too.

Step 4: mix the eggs into the pasta

Remove the skillet of orzo from the heat. There should be some liquid left in the skillet. Working quickly, stir in the egg mixture. Continue to stir continuously until the eggs create a creamy cheese sauce.

This step is really important. Be sure to toss really the orzo for a good minute until the sauce thickens. You’ll then have perfect orzo carbonara.

I love to finish the carbonara with fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Once you plate the carbonara, top with the reserved bacon. Then add a little drizzle of melted butter + freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Top this however you like! It’s great served alongside grilled or roasted chicken or steak. You could also top it with asparagus or even broccoli. But be sure to include a big salad to complete the meal. So yummy!

Looking for other easy weeknight dinners? Here are some favorites.

One Skillet Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken and Orzo with Feta Sauce

Easy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki and Potatoes

Browned Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Cheese Ravioli

One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake

Lastly, if you make this 20 Minute Lemon Butter Orzo Carbonara, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!