Quick & Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe

After a long day, I always turn to this lemon chicken orzo pasta—it's warm, creamy, and full of bright, comforting flavor. With just one pot and 30 minutes, you get tender chicken breast nestled in lemony orzo pasta that’s soaked up all the goodness of garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream.

This lemon chicken orzo pasta has become a staple in my kitchen not just for how easy it is, but because every bite feels like a cozy hug. The lemon adds a fresh lift that balances the richness perfectly, and it’s the kind of meal that makes your family pause and say, “Can we have this again tomorrow?” If you're craving a simple but delicious dinner, this lemon chicken orzo pasta truly delivers.

Why This Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe Works

This one pot lemon chicken orzo pasta has become a go-to in my kitchen, especially on busy nights when I want something comforting without the fuss. What I love most is how simple ingredients—juicy chicken, tender orzo, fresh lemon, and a swirl of cream—come together to create a dish that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did.

The lemon chicken orzo pasta shines brightest in spring and summer when citrus is fresh and vibrant, but honestly, I’ve made it on chilly fall evenings too and it always hits the spot. Paired with a crisp white wine and a light salad, this lemon chicken orzo pasta is just as perfect for weeknight family dinners as it is for having friends over.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Nutritional Benefits and Serving Suggestions
• Creative Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• Storage and Reheating Instructions
• The Little Timing Trick That Changed My Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Forever
• FAQ
• Why This Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Dinner Lineup
• Related
• Pairing
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Orzo Pasta:

• Orzo pasta
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Garlic, minced
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Fresh lemon juice
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Baby spinach (optional)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Substitutions and Variations:

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Those following a gluten-free diet can use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice. For extra vegetables, try adding asparagus, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor, or even cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken to the hot pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.

Build the Base and Cook the Orzo

1. In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. This step builds the flavor foundation for your lemon orzo pasta with chicken.
3. Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth.
4. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is almost tender. The pasta will continue cooking as it absorbs the liquid.

Create the Creamy Lemon Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
2. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. The lemon brightens the entire dish and creates that signature tangy flavor.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the butter and Parmesan cheese.
4. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and creates a creamy coating.

Final Assembly and Serving

1. If using spinach and cherry tomatoes, add them now and cook just until the spinach wilts.
2. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice if needed.
4. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Perfect Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Here's a game-changing tip: don't rinse your orzo before cooking. The natural starches help thicken the sauce and create that perfect creamy texture. Also, save some pasta cooking liquid if your sauce seems too thick – a splash of the starchy broth can help thin it to the perfect consistency.

For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. The oils in fresh lemon zest pack much more punch than bottled juice. When zesting, only use the bright yellow part of the peel – the white pith underneath can add unwanted bitterness to your lemon chicken orzo pasta.

Nutritional Benefits and Serving Suggestions

This lemon chicken orzo pasta recipe provides a well-balanced meal with protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the orzo, and healthy fats from the olive oil. The addition of spinach boosts the iron and vitamin content, while the lemon adds vitamin C.

The dish serves beautifully as a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For wine pairing, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon flavors.

Creative Recipe Variations

Transform this basic lemon orzo chicken pasta into something new by trying these variations:

• Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired twist.
• Herb Garden Version: Include fresh basil, oregano, and thyme for an aromatic herb blend.
• Protein Alternatives: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, salmon, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Veggie-Packed: Incorporate zucchini, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra nutrition and color.

For those following special diets, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta recipe adapts easily. Use dairy-free cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan version, or substitute the orzo with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Equipment

A large skillet or Dutch oven is crucial for this one pot lemon chicken orzo recipe. The wide surface area allows the chicken to brown properly and gives you plenty of room to stir the orzo without making a mess. A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly and prevents burning.

You'll also need a good microplane grater for the lemon zest – it creates fine, aromatic pieces that distribute evenly throughout the dish. A wooden spoon works best for stirring without scratching your pan's surface.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover lemon chicken orzo pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream sauce may thicken as it cools, which is completely normal.

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Warm gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cream to curdle.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may be slightly different after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.

FAQ

Why This Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Dinner Lineup

This lemon chicken orzo pasta recipe is the kind of dish that quietly becomes a household favorite—the one you turn to when you need something fast, flavorful, and comforting all at once. Its creamy texture and vibrant lemon flavor make every bite feel like a little win on a busy night. Plus, with just one pot to clean, it’s as practical as it is delicious.

If you’re craving more easy, flavor-packed pasta dinners, don’t miss my Instant Pot Bolognese Pasta for rich, slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time, or this refreshing Chicken Caesar Pasta that’s perfect for warm nights or quick lunches. Trust me—once you try this lemon chicken orzo pasta, it won't be your last time making it.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
– Kaitlyn Reed,

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this lemon chicken orzo pasta recipe: