Name: One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta – quick and easy recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil or butter; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ cups orzo pasta; 3 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt (to taste); Zest and juice of 1 lemon; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan; Fresh parsley for garnish

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You know those evenings when you stare into your fridge like it’s going to whisper a dinner idea into your ear? Yeah, I’ve been there too. That’s why I keep this One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta recipe up my sleeve. It’s my go-to when I need something cozy, bright, and on the table before my hunger turns into full-on hanger. With a splash of lemon and a handful of pantry staples, you’ve got a warm, zesty hug in a bowl. This recipe fits right into our world of quick and easy recipes—it’s light, but filling. The orzo cooks directly in the same pot with everything else, which means fewer dishes (can I get a hallelujah?). It’s also easily adaptable: keep it vegetarian, throw in leftover rotisserie chicken, or load it up with whatever’s about to wilt in your crisper drawer. Whether you’re craving something bright and breezy for dinner, a way to use up your weeknight odds and ends, or just want a dinner win with minimal effort, this dish has your back. It’s lemony, herby, creamy in all the right ways—and yeah, you’ll probably want seconds. I always do.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta
4) How to Make One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta
5) Tips for Making One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta
6) Making One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta
8) Try these dinners next!
9) One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This is a quick and easy recipe ready in under 30 minutes.
Cooks in one pot which means less clean-up and more flavor.
Flexible enough for vegetarian, vegan, or meat-loving twists.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or last-minute cravings.

2) Easy One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta Recipe

This one pot lemon orzo pasta is like your favorite cozy hoodie in food form. It’s warm, dependable, and ready when you need comfort fast. The orzo simmers in broth and cream, soaking up flavor while the lemon brings everything to life. Parmesan adds that melty edge, and parsley makes it feel a little fancier than it really is.

I came up with this when my fridge had little more than half an onion, a lemon, and a dream. It quickly earned its place on my weekly dinner rotation. I love that it fits right in with quick and easy recipes, especially when I’ve had one of those days where nothing goes right—except dinner.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or some very hungry kids, this is one of those easy recipes for dinner that you’ll actually want to make again. It also checks the box for easy recipes with rotisserie chicken when you toss in some shredded leftovers. I’ve even turned it vegan with a few swaps, and it still holds its own.

3) Ingredients for One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta

1 tablespoon oil or butter: Gives the dish a rich start and helps the onion caramelize gently.

1 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth. Cook it until it’s soft and golden.

3 garlic cloves, minced: For that irresistible aroma and savory edge.

1 ½ cups orzo pasta: Small pasta that cooks fast and absorbs flavor beautifully.

3 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth: This forms the cooking liquid and gives the dish a savory backbone.

1 cup heavy cream: Adds body and creaminess to balance the tang of the lemon.

1 teaspoon salt (to taste): Brings out the flavors of all the ingredients.

Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness of the cream.

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the orzo for a cheesy finish.

Fresh parsley, chopped: Gives a fresh, herbal lift right at the end.

4) How to Make One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta

Step 1. Start by heating the oil or butter in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté it until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 2. Add in the garlic and stir for 30 seconds, just until it smells delicious and inviting.

Step 3. Pour in the orzo. Stir it around for about a minute to lightly toast and coat it in the fat and flavor from the pan.

Step 4. Stir in the broth, cream, and salt. Let everything come to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often to keep things smooth.

Step 5. Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the lemon zest and juice.

Step 6. Add the Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the pasta, making the whole thing creamy and flavorful.

Step 7. Sprinkle with parsley before serving and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. That’s it!

5) Tips for Making One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta

If your orzo gets too thick, just splash in a little extra broth to loosen things up. It should be creamy, not sticky.

Use fresh lemon juice and zest. It makes a world of difference and takes the flavor from flat to fantastic.

Stir regularly to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. A good nonstick pan helps here, but so does staying close for those 10 minutes.

6) Making One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta Ahead of Time

This is a great recipe for meal prepping. I often make a double batch and pack it up for lunches throughout the week.

Let it cool before storing, and keep it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it slowly on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the original texture.

If you’re planning to serve this later, hold off on the parsley and maybe even the lemon until just before serving to keep those flavors fresh. It’s one of those quick evening snacks easy recipes that reheats like a champ.

7) Storing Leftover One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta

Store leftovers in a container with a tight lid. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and still taste fantastic.

When reheating, I add a little cream or broth and warm it on low heat while stirring. It brings the dish back to that silky, just-cooked feel.

Don’t forget to give it a fresh squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of parsley before serving—it really makes it feel new again.

8) Try these dinners next!

9) One Pot Lemon Orzo Pasta