Name: 30-Minute Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup half and half (plus more as needed); Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 2 cups finely chopped kale; 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (such as parsley and dill); Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 84 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting, quick, and wonderfully bright meal, this 30-Minute Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish perfectly balances the heartiness of tender chicken and buttery orzo with the fresh zing of lemon and the earthiness of kale, all simmered together in a creamy sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a simple recipe that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures, ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A light green pot with two handles contains a single layer of small, finely chopped onions, gently cooked and spread evenly across the white inside surface. The onions have a soft, translucent look with some light browning and are sprinkled with a mix of black pepper and dried herbs, giving a speckled appearance in shades of black and green. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background for the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this 30-Minute Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding creaminess, zest, or that satisfying savory depth. You’ll find that pulling these together is a breeze, and the results are well worth it!

Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic to deepen the flavors.
Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with that warm, comforting flavor that makes everything better.
Italian seasoning: A perfect blend to bring a little herbal brightness.
Rubbed sage: Adds a gentle earthiness that complements the lemon beautifully.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that cooks the orzo and binds the dish.
Uncooked orzo pasta: The star grain, tender and slightly creamy when cooked.
Finely chopped kale: A nutrient-packed green that brings freshness and texture.
Shredded rotisserie chicken: Pre-cooked convenience that keeps this meal quick and protein-packed.
Half and half: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without being too heavy.
Lemon zest and juice: The bright, tangy highlight that wakes up every bite.
Fresh chopped herbs (parsley and dill): Adds vibrant color and an herby finish.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

How to Make 30-Minute Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Once melted, add the diced yellow onion and sauté until softened and slightly translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and rubbed sage, cooking until fragrant. This step lays down the aromatic base that will flavor the entire dish beautifully.

Step 2: Add Broth and Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still al dente. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Incorporate Kale and Chicken

When the orzo is nearly done, fold in the finely chopped kale and shredded rotisserie chicken. The kale will wilt down and add a vibrant green pop, while the chicken warms through, adding hearty protein to the dish.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Lemon Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the half and half along with the lemon zest and juice. Let the sauce gently simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the orzo and chicken beautifully. Taste and season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper as needed. The lemon provides a fresh brightness that perfectly balances the creamy sauce.

How to Serve 30-Minute Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe

The dish is a creamy pasta served on a white scalloped plate placed on a white marbled surface. The pasta is mixed with green herbs and small pieces of white chicken, creating a light yellow and green speckled look. On top, there is a layer of finely shredded white cheese sprinkled with freshly ground black pepper. A silver fork and spoon with wooden handles rest on the right side of the plate. A few green herb leaves are scattered on top for garnish, and a white cloth with gray stripes is softly draped in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing the dish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley and dill not only adds a vibrant splash of green but also an extra layer of fresh flavor that complements the lemony notes beautifully. A little extra lemon zest on top can brighten it up even more and make it look irresistible.

Side Dishes

This lemon chicken orzo pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans also work wonderfully, adding texture and color to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider serving this dish in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top for added crunch. You could even turn it into a stuffed vegetable dish by spooning it into hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes for an elegant and charming touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover 30-Minute Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze as well due to the delicate texture of the kale and the creamy sauce, which can separate upon thawing. If you want to freeze, consider leaving out the kale and adding it fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of half and half or broth to refresh the creamy texture. Microwaving is also fine—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can quickly cook and shred chicken breasts, or even use leftover cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken just saves time and adds great flavor with minimal effort.

Is it possible to use spinach instead of kale?

Yes, spinach is a great substitute and will wilt similarly. Add it toward the end of cooking as you would kale to keep its tender texture and fresh flavor.

What if I don’t have half and half? Can I use milk instead?

Milk can work in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. For a richer dish, you can also mix milk with a little butter or cream if you have it on hand.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk or an unsweetened almond milk cream substitute for the half and half. The lemon and chicken broth help maintain the bold flavors.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To veganize, replace chicken with a plant-based protein or mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and swap out dairy with plant-based creamers and butter substitutes. Swap the rotisserie chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu for extra protein.

Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s bright, creamy, comforting, and comes together so quickly, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something homey without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your dinner rotation—there’s nothing quite like a dish that warms you up and wakes up your taste buds all at once!