Spring is finally happening and so it’s time to bring back our favorite simple spring recipes. Quick and Easy Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas is perfect!
Awhile back we posted a recipe for a lemon orzo dish that has quickly become a reader favorite recipe. If you scroll to the bottom of our post we’ve added a photo of it along with the link to get the full recipe. We wanted to create a more filling version for those who need a little more substance to their dinner so this is our quick and easy ham lemon orzo with parmesan and peas.
It’s not entirely the same as our new qiuck and easy ham lemon orzo with parmesan and peas also includes tender carrots and little cubed bits of ham. It’s a great recipe for using leftover ham, especially after Easter.
Don’t you feel like Easter came up rather quickly on us? I don’t even know what to do with myself. I think it’s because here in Utah we hardly got any snow at all so it felt like the end of winter for far too long and then suddenly the snow began so our brains were all mixed up.
Every Easter I just have to make a ham for the family
Is Ham Already Cooked?
We are often asked if ham is already cooked when you buy it at the store and 9/10 times it has been cooked, smoked or cured. The ham we used in this dish was bought in the meat department in a little package of already cubed bits of ham. Super convenient and yes, it was already cooked so we could throw it right in.
Quick and Easy Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas
This quick and easy ham lemon orzo with parmesan and peas is a real cinch to make but that orzo can throw you a little. Make sure that you measure exactly or the water won’t end up absorbed as it should be. Orzo won’t be drained like a spaghetti would, instead it’s going to take in all of that moisture and end up a delicious pasta in your pot.
For the peas and carrots you can steam your own or we like to just buy a package of peas and carrots and use those so we can get things done fast.
How to Steam Carrots
Place carrots in a pot with about 1/2″ of water and bring to a boil. Turn the burner down to a simmer and place a lid on the pot, cook for 6-8 minutes or until soft. Drain and use.
How to Cook Frozen Peas
Did you know you don’t have to cook frozen peas at all? They’ve already been cooked so just place them in a bowl of luke warm water and then drain. Add those bright, fresh peas to any dish!
More HAM RECIPES You Will Love:
- World’s Best Brown Sugar Ham
- Honey Baked Ham
- Ham Dipping Sauces
- Secret to the Best Ham Fried Rice
- Spring Ham and Asparagus Lemon Cream Sauce
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Bacon Casserole
- Garlic Honey Mustard Ham
- Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Casserole
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Stromboli
- Hash Browns Ham Frittata
- Ham Hock Soup
- Easy Ham and Cheese Scones
- Ham and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
- How to Make Ham in a Slow Cooker
- How to Carve a Spiral Ham
- All our BEST PORK RECIPES here!
Looking for more delicious ORZO RECIPES?
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
- Caprese Orzo Pasta
- Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas
- Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
- Zupas Copycat Tomato Basil Orzo Soup
- Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
- Cuban Pasta Salad
- Teriyaki Chicken Pasta Salad
- Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
- 10 Minute Ranch Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Spring Ham and Asparagus Lemon Cream Pasta
- Turkey Tetrazzini with Crunchy Honey Dijon Topping
- 15 Minute Pesto Pasta
- All our Pasta Recipes here!
To see all of our family dinner recipes, head here! These are a few of our favorites…
Quick and Easy Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas
Quick and Easy Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas
Description
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups Dry Orzo Pasta
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 1/2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Teaspoon Fresh Thyme Leaves
- 1 Lemon, zested
- Juice of Half a lemon
- 1 Cup Ham, chopped small
- 1 Cup Steamed Carrots
- 1 1/2 Cups Peas
- 1/3 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh Cracked Pepper
- Salt and Pepper , to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and pasta.
- Cook, stirring occasionally until toasted, about 30-60 seconds.
- Add garlic and stir it in followed by broth and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, cover the skillet with a lid and turn down to a simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta has absorbed the water and is tender.
- Remove the lid and add the lemon zest, juice, ham, carrots and peas and stir until the peas are bright and cooked.
- Add the cheese and salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
Elizabeth Mulgrew
Recipe lives up to its name – quick and easy – with an extra flavor boost that takes it to a higher level than I usually come up with by myself! It easily feeds 6, 8 even with very young children. My family and I love orzo so this is doubly appreciated! The thyme and lemon make the difference (though next time I’m going to try doubling the thyme)! This will be made again and again, thanks!
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much Elizabeth! I’m so glad it was a hit for your family!
Rebecca Pearson
This is so easy and delicious!
Sweet Basil
Yay!! Thank you!
Yolanda Monteiro
I made your “Quick and Easy Ham Lemon Orzo” today, but with a few changes. First of all I didn’t have any ham at home, so I chopped about 10 cocktail sausages. I used the juice of half a lime but I didn’t use the zest simply because my family is not too fond of a strong lemony flavour. I used canned peas and carrots and I finished it off with a sprinkle of dried parsley and some chilli flakes. But it turned out great, so thank you so much for sharing your recipe.
Sweet Basil
Yay! Thank you for the feedback! Way to make it your own!