Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoon butter, salted; 1 Tablespoon miced garlic; 8 oz orzo pasta, uncooked; 2 cups water; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground pepper; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup whole or 2% milk; 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese; lemon, zest and juice of ((about ¼ cup juice & 2 teaspoons zest)); 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil

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This creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is made with a creamy lemon sauce, rotisserie chicken, and fresh basil on top for a pop of flavor!

This easy pasta dish pairs well with Soft Fluffy French Bread or if you must have greens, Blackberry Pear Salad.

Wood spoon and lemon wedge in metal pan of cooked lemon orzo pasta with chopped basil.

This is a super easy pasta recipe with rotisserie chicken, so if you're looking for ways to use rotisserie chicken, I got you. BONUS, it comes together in less than 20 minutes!

🥣 Ingredients

Orzo pasta - or another small variety such as ditalini or small shells
Butter
Garlic - minced
Onion Powder
Salt & Pepper
Chicken bouillon
Chicken - cooked and shredded
Milk - whole preferred, 2% will work
Parmesan Cheese - fresh shredded, not pre-shredded
Lemons - juice and zest of
Water - for cooking pasta
Basil - fresh

🔪 Instructions

COOK PASTA In a cooking pot or large frying pan with a lid, heat butter over medium heat and add in minced garlic. Stir and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add in orzo pasta, water, and all spices. Cook until pasta is tender, 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta sticking together.

MAKE IT CREAMY Add in fresh grated parmesan cheese and milk and mix well.

Hand pouring wood bowl of spices into metal pan of cooking orzo pasta.

Hand pouring milk into metal pan of cooked orzo pasta.

MAKE IT LEMONY Add in the juice of one lemon (zest the lemon first!) and mix well. Then add in the cooked shredded chicken and mix into the creamy lemon orzo. Sauce will thicken as it cools.

yellow kitchen tool squeezing lemon over metal pan of cooked orzo pasta.

Hand pouring chopped rotisserie chicken into metal pan of cooked orzo pasta with lemon sauce.

ADD GARNISH Last, sprinkle the pasta liberally with lemon zest and chopped fresh basil for a lovely pop of flavor to finish.

🍽 Storage & Reheating

This lemony orzo pasta is best served fresh but can be covered and refrigerated once cooled for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave for a minute or two. You can add a Tablespoon or more of milk to make it creamier, since the pasta tends to absorb moisture over time.

Freezing: You can freeze this pasta, but it may change the texture when reheated since it has dairy in it. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Overhead view of cooked lemon chicken orzo in pan with lemon wedge and wood spoon and chopped basil.

✏️ Tips & Variations

Fresh! Use fresh parmesan for the sauce FOR SURE. Using a pre-shredded variety can make the texture of the sauce grainy due to the anti-caking additives in pre-shredded cheese. Fresh basil and fresh lemon zest and juice are always recommended because FRESH.
MORE CHEESE?? You can substitute (or add to) the parmesan with freshly shredded gouda or white cheddar for an equally delicious pasta sauce!
No chicken? Use pre-cooked tail-off shrimp or even canned white beans for a different protein option that is delicious!
More veggies? Toss in some steamed green peas or broccoli to make it a complete meal!

White bowl of cooked lemon chicken orzo pasta on marble counter with bowl of lemons in back.

If you try this recipe, make sure to let me know how it goes in the comments below!

Wooden spoon of cooked orzo pasta with finished creamy lemon sauce.

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5 from 3 votes