Lemon Orzo Recipe

Lemon Orzo Recipe

4 servings
The easiest orzo recipe made with tender orzo pasta, bright lemon, flavorful broth, vibrant garlic, rich olive oil, and bold parmesan. And you can have it ready in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients

  • olive oil

    (divided

    2 tbsp
  • minced fresh garlic ((2 cloves
    2 tsp
  • low-sodium chicken broth

    (then more as needed

    2 ⅝ c
  • salt
    (to taste
  • lemon zest

    (divided

    1 ½ tsp
  • dry orzo pasta
    8 oz
  • finely shredded parmesan cheese
    ⅓ c
  • lemon juice
    3 tbsp
  • ground black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • minced fresh parsley ((optional for garnish
    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat. Add garlic and saute 20 seconds or until fragrant and just barely deepening in color (not browning).

  2. 2

    Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo, 3/4 tsp lemon zest and salt to taste then reduce heat to medium-low.

  3. 3

    Let simmer until orzo is tender, stirring once halfway through, about 10 minutes total. If needed add a little more chicken broth if it's becoming dry.

  4. 4

    Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil, remaining 3/4 tsp lemon zest, parmesan, and pepper. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Lemon Orzo Recipe

Lemon Orzo Recipe

20 min4 servings310 cal

Similar Recipes

Lemon Chicken Orzo

Lemon Chicken Orzo

This lemon chicken orzo recipe is creamy, comforting, and made in one pot for fewer dishes! It comes together in just 30 minutes for a cozy meal.

30 minutes4 servings616 kcal
Lemon Orzo

Lemon Orzo

This lemon orzo salad recipe has a bright citrus flavor, thanks to the secret of adding lemon rind to the broth!

25 minutes4 servings168 kcal
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is light, healthy, and cozy. It uses wholesome everyday ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite!

50 minutes6 servings
Lemony Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

Lemony Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

30 minutes351 kcal
Healthy Lemon Basil Risotto

Healthy Lemon Basil Risotto

Healthy Lemon Basil Risotto is the perfect lighter, gluten free side dish. The combination of lemon zest and fresh basil gives it a rich, delicious flavor!

40 minutes4 servings272 kcal
Fresh Lemon Orzo Salad with Asparagus, Spinach and Feta

Fresh Lemon Orzo Salad with Asparagus, Spinach and Feta

[ recipe VIDEO below ] Filled with veggies like asparagus, spinach, and olives and a sprinkling of toasted almonds and feta, Lemon Orzo Salad is easy to pull together! Finished with a lemony dressing, make it for lunch, an easy dinner, potlucks or picnics. This recipe is vegetarian and easily vegan.

30 minutes6 servings365 kcal
High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo

High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo

This lemon chicken orzo is a true weeknight classic—comforting and bursting with fresh flavor. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something cozy.

541 kcal
Easy lemon chicken with creamy spinach orzo

Easy lemon chicken with creamy spinach orzo

Creamy spinach orzo topped with juicy lemon chicken breasts is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner recipe that can be made in less than 30 minutes!

30 minutes4 servings

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, comforting side dish that’s incredibly easy to make? This Lemon Orzo recipe delivers bright, zesty flavors with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions. You'll love how quickly this versatile side comes together, proving that delicious doesn't have to mean complicated.

What makes this Lemon Orzo truly stand out is its simplicity combined with a powerful flavor profile. By starting with aromatic garlic and building on a base of low-sodium chicken broth, every grain of tender orzo pasta soaks up incredible savory notes. The generous addition of fresh lemon zest and juice, along with rich parmesan, elevates this dish from a simple pasta to an unforgettable experience. It’s the easiest orzo recipe you’ll find that doesn't compromise on taste.

When you prepare this lemon orzo, expect a delightful balance of tang and savory richness. The tender orzo pasta has a satisfying chew, perfectly coated in a light, glossy sauce. Each bite offers a burst of bright lemon, complemented by the warmth of garlic and the salty, umami depth of parmesan cheese. It’s a wonderfully aromatic dish, thanks to the fresh lemon zest and optional parsley garnish. This side dish is designed to be effortlessly delicious, providing a comforting yet fresh accompaniment to any main course.

Feel free to customize this simple orzo to suit your pantry or preferences. You can easily swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly. For an extra herbaceous note, consider adding fresh dill or basil alongside the parsley. If you don't have fresh garlic, a good quality garlic powder can work in a pinch, though fresh is always recommended for the best flavor. For a dairy-free option, simply omit the parmesan cheese.

This Lemon Orzo is a perfect companion to grilled chicken, baked fish, or roasted vegetables. Serve it warm as a light side dish or even as a base for a more substantial meal. Its appealing golden hue and fresh green garnish make for a beautiful presentation on any table.

Frequently Asked Questions