Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta that is bursting with bright, lemony flavors and perfect for both busy weeknights!

A plate of orzo pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken, garnished with lemon and parsley. Surrounding items include a red pepper, lemon halves, grated cheese, and a patterned red cloth.

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta recipe is a one-pan wonder you’ll want to make again and again! Tender orzo pasta, cooked in a tangy lemon sauce and topped with juicy chicken breast. A great meal.

Plate of orzo pasta with sliced grilled chicken, garnished with lemon slices and herbs. Red bell pepper and lemon in background.

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Juicy chicken, zesty lemon, tender orzo, and freshly grated parmesan cheese come together to form a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends. Let’s get cooking!

If you love one pan meals, then next you should try this recipe for Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet or this One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Rice.

Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients that you need to make this recipe. You can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Chicken Breasts Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking and better flavor absorption.
Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper Season generously for bold, balanced flavors. The combination of salt and pepper is essential for elevating the dish.
Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder These add a herby and aromatic touch to the chicken, giving it a wonderfully savory flavor.
Vegetable Oil Perfect for sautéing the chicken over medium heat. You can also substitute with olive oil for added richness.
Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest The stars of the show! Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish and give it that signature tang.
Butter Adds a silky richness to the dish. Trust me, don’t skip it!
Bell Pepper & Onion These veggies add a flavorful base and some crunch to balance the creamy sauce.
Garlic Fresh garlic elevates the dish with its warm, nutty flavor.
Orzo Pasta This small, rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors. It’s what makes this recipe delightful and hearty.
Chicken Broth Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness. It adds plenty of depth and moisture to the orzo pasta.
Heavy Cream This creamy addition makes the sauce luscious and indulgent.
Spinach A healthy, vibrant green that wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce.
Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated parmesan cheese is key for the rich, savory flavor. Sprinkle on top for that cheesy goodness.
Lemon Slices Perfect for garnish to enhance the lemony theme of the dish.

Instructions

This is an overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. The full instructions are available in the recipe card.

Raw, marinated chicken breasts in a dark bowl on a light-colored surface.

Step 1: In a large bowl add the chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder,vegetable oil and lemon juice. Stir until coated. In a large skillet add vegetable oil. Add the chicken once the oil is hot and sear on each side until both sides are cooked through.

A frying pan with sautéed red bell peppers and onions on a marble surface.

Step 2: Once cooked and browned remove from the pan and set aside. Add the butter, red bell pepper, onion, garlic and Italian seasoning. stir

A pan with yellow rice and red bell pepper slices on a light-colored surface.

Step 3: Add the orzo and stir. Add the chicken broth and stir, bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook.

A pan of creamy yellow rice with sliced grilled chicken, red peppers, spinach, and garnished with lemon slices and parsley.

Step 4: Once done add the spinach, heavy cream and Parmesan and stir. Squeeze the juice of a lemon all over and stir once more. Slice the chicken and add on top of the orzo, top with parsley and lemon slices!

Storage

Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing – While the sauce may change slightly in texture after freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Reheating – For best results, reheat over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Wendy’s Tips

Cook Over Medium Heat – This ensures the chicken remains juicy and the orzo cooks evenly without sticking to the pan.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottle juice won’t deliver the same zippy flavor as fresh lemons. Go fresh for the best results.
Taste as You Go – Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting to make sure the seasoning balance is perfect.

What To Serve With Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Simple Side Salad Toss together arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. You can also try this Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad.

Roasted Vegetables Oven-roasted asparagus or Broccoli and Brussels sprouts add a hearty, earthy element to the meal.

Garlic Bread Sop up any leftover sauce with homemade Sourdough sandwich bread for the perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can substitute whole milk or half-and-half for the heavy cream. However, the sauce may be less rich.

Can I make this in advance?

You can cook the pasta and make the sauce separately, then combine them before serving. However, the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add some water of broth to thin it out when reheating.