One-Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

This One-Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta is comfort food that works year-round. With tender chicken, bright lemon, fresh spinach and mushrooms, and a rich, creamy orzo base, it’s the perfect easy-peasy weeknight dinner, made all in one pot. Whether you're using rotisserie chicken or leftovers, this lemon chicken orzo recipe is a simple win.

Why You'll Love this Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta:

• One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, less cleanup, more flavor.
• Ready in about 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rotisserie Chicken Friendly: A great way to use up leftovers.
• Can be made Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free: Simple swaps make this recipe allergy-friendly.

Key Ingredients:

• Orzo pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks directly in the broth for a creamy, risotto-like finish.
• Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand works great here.
• Lemon juice: Adds bright, fresh acidity to balance the cream.
• Cream: Adds richness and gives this lemon chicken orzo its creamy texture. Half & half or heavy cream work best.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan melts into the sauce and adds cheesy, savory flavor.
• Yellow onion, garlic & thyme: Classic aromatics that create a warm, savory base.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add depth, earthiness, and texture.
• Baby spinach: Stirred in at the end to add freshness and color.
• Chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce and cooks the orzo through.

Dietary & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo (available at many grocery stores or online), and double-check that your broth and parmesan are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the cream for unsweetened oat or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative (such as Follow Your Heart).
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken or replace it with white beans, chickpeas, or extra sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the parmesan with a vegetarian-friendly alternative like Follow Your Heart.

Recipe Variations:

• Add More Veggies: Stir in peas or diced zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
• A Hint of Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Swap the Protein: Use cooked shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
• Make It a Bake: After simmering, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta:

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté onion and mushrooms with salt and pepper until softened, about 4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and thyme; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice (half), and orzo.
5. Add cream, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer, stirring often, until orzo is tender and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
6. Stir in chicken, parmesan, spinach, and remaining lemon juice. Cook until warmed through and spinach wilts.
7. Season to taste and serve.

Tips for Success:

• Use half & half instead of heavy cream if you want to reduce the chance of curdling when cooking with lemon juice and heat. It holds up better without breaking.
• Stir frequently while simmering to keep the orzo from sticking and ensure even cooking.

Make Ahead & Storage:

• Make ahead: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened.
• Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Freezing not recommended.

What to Serve with Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta:

This lemon orzo pasta pairs great with simple sides. Here are some great options to round out your meal.

• Crunchy Romaine Salad with Pistachios, Olives & Garlic Herb Dressing
• Easy Asparagus and White Bean Salad with Pesto & Parmesan
• Easy Air Fryer Asparagus

FAQs:

More 30 Minute Pasta Recipes You Will Love:

• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta
• 30-Minute Homemade Stroganoff Hamburger Helper
• Quick & Easy Garlic Cream Sauce Ravioli with Asparagus and Mushrooms
• Easy Veggie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Recipe

One-Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A creamy, comforting lemon chicken orzo pasta made in one pot and a perfect easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, bright lemon, fresh spinach, and mushrooms all simmered together in a velvety sauce.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Pasta

Servings 4

Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup lemon juice divided
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 cup cream half & half or heavy cream
• ½ – 2 cups cooked chicken chopped (rotisserie works great)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 –3 handfuls fresh baby spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add onion and mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper; sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Pour in chicken broth, half the lemon juice, and add orzo. Stir to combine.
• Add cream and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until orzo is tender and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
• Turn heat to low. Stir in cooked chicken, parmesan, spinach, and remaining lemon juice. Cook until chicken is warmed through and spinach has wilted, adding splashes of broth as needed.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Notes

Use Cream such as half & half or heavy cream to reduce the risk of curdling when exposed to heat and lemon juice.

To make this gluten-free, substitute gluten-free orzo and check your broth and parmesan for gluten-free certification.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Nutrition Information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used. 

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Keyword lemon chicken orzo pasta

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