Best 5 Lemon Orzo Chicken Pasta Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Lemon Orzo Chicken Pasta, a delightful dish that combines the zesty brightness of lemon, the tender chewiness of orzo pasta, and the savory goodness of chicken. This vibrant recipe is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Alongside the main recipe, you'll also find variations to suit different dietary preferences and tastes. For those following a vegetarian lifestyle, we've included a meatless version that swaps chicken for hearty and protein-rich chickpeas. And for those who love seafood, the shrimp variation offers a succulent twist on this classic dish.

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this versatile recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a flavorful adventure with Lemon Orzo Chicken Pasta.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

LEMON CHICKEN ORZO



Lemon Chicken Orzo image

This lemon chicken orzo recipe is creamy, comforting, made in one pot (for fewer dishes!), and comes together in about 30 minutes.

Provided by Natasha Bull

Categories     Side Dish

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 medium onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
2 cups cooked shredded/rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Salt & pepper (to taste)

Steps:

  • Add the oil, butter, and onion to a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often (this infuses the orzo with more flavor and toasts it a little).
  • Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and cream. Once it starts to bubble, continue cooking for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often. You will probably need to turn the heat down a bit (to medium or even medium-low). It should gently bubble vs. furiously boil, and you don't want the liquid to reduce too much before the pasta has cooked. See notes below for troubleshooting tips.
  • Stir in the chicken.
  • Take the pot off the heat, stir in the parmesan and spinach, and cover the pot for 3-5 minutes or until it has thickened up to your liking. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 616 kcal, Carbohydrate 34 g, Protein 30 g, Fat 40 g, SaturatedFat 21 g, Cholesterol 160 mg, Sodium 761 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

LEMON PARMESAN ORZO



Lemon Parmesan Orzo image

A splash of lemon and a shower of chopped parsley make this orzo one of my family's most-requested sides. It's fantastic with chicken, pork and fish. -Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Transfer to a small bowl; drizzle with oil. Stir in remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 225mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

LEMON CHICKEN ORZO SOUP



Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup image

Inspired by Panera Bread's version, this soup delivers on flavor. Tender chicken in a lemony broth with orzo pasta, carrots, onions, celery, and baby spinach. This has quickly become one of my family's very favorite soup recipes.

Provided by ReneePaj

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Noodle Soup Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 17

8 ounces orzo pasta
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 carrots, chopped, or more to taste
3 ribs celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
3 (32 ounce) cartons fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 lemon, zested
8 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped
1 (8 ounce) package baby spinach leaves
1 lemon, sliced for garnish
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water until partially cooked through but not yet soft, about 5 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cooled completely.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir carrots, celery, and onion in hot oil until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Season mixture with thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf; continue cooking another 30 seconds before pouring chicken broth into the pot.
  • Bring the broth to a boil. Partially cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir orzo, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the broth; add chicken. Cook until the chicken and orzo are heated through, about 5 minutes. Add baby spinach; cook until the spinach wilts into the broth and the orzo is tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls; garnish with lemon slices and Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 167.3 calories, Carbohydrate 21.7 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 4.1 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 12.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 186.9 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

LEMON CHICKEN WITH ORZO



Lemon Chicken with Orzo image

Here's a dish that's light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies...for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. -Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1-1/4 cups uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
Lemon wedges, optional

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, mix flour and garlic powder. Cut chicken into 1-1/2-in. pieces; pound each with a meat mallet to 1/4-in. thickness. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Dip both sides of chicken in flour mixture to coat lightly; shake off excess., In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken; cook 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and chicken is no longer pink. Remove from pan; keep warm. Wipe skillet clean., In same pan, bring broth to a boil; stir in orzo. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 8-10 minutes or until tender. Stir in spinach, tomatoes, lemon juice, basil and remaining salt; remove from heat. Return chicken to pan. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 399 calories, Fat 11g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 807mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

LEMON ORZO CHICKEN



Lemon orzo chicken image

Looking for something speedy for dinner? This lemon orzo chicken has asparagus, leeks and peas for a tasty supper that's low in fat

Provided by Liberty Mendez

Categories     Dinner

Time 22m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tbsp olive oil
2 leeks, halved and finely sliced
300g orzo
150g asparagus, roughly chopped into 4cm lengths
500ml low-salt chicken or vegetable stock
2 tbsp low-fat crème fraîche
1 lemon, zested and juiced
250g cooked chicken, shredded
250g frozen peas
½ small bunch of chives

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a pan and fry the leeks for 5 mins over a medium-high heat, adding a splash of boiling water from the kettle halfway through to steam them slightly. Add the orzo, asparagus and stock, and cook for 10 mins over a high heat, stirring continuously.
  • Stir through the crème fraîche, lemon zest, juice, chicken, peas and most of the chives. Season and keep on the heat for 3-4 mins to warm through the chicken, adding a splash of water to loosen if needed. Divide between bowls and top with the remaining chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 534 calories, Fat 11 grams fat, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 68 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 9 grams sugar, Fiber 10 grams fiber, Protein 35 grams protein, Sodium 0.4 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your Lemon Orzo Chicken Pasta dish taste its best. Look for organic, free-range chicken, fresh lemons, and high-quality pasta.
  • Don't overcook the chicken: Chicken is a lean protein that can easily become dry and tough if overcooked. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
  • Use a good quality olive oil: Olive oil is a key ingredient in this dish, so be sure to use a good quality oil that has a fruity, peppery flavor.
  • Add the lemon juice and zest at the end: Adding the lemon juice and zest at the end of the cooking process will help to preserve their bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Serve immediately: Lemon Orzo Chicken Pasta is best served immediately, while the pasta is still hot and the sauce is creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Lemon Orzo Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends. With its bright citrus flavor, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and flavorful pasta dish, give Lemon Orzo Chicken Pasta a try!

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