A wooden spoon lifts creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with spinach from a blue pot, with the cheesy, saucy mixture visible in the background. - 1 A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with spinach and topped with grated cheese and fresh parsley, served with a spoon. Two wooden salt and pepper grinders are blurred in the background. - 2

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Parmesan-Lemon-Orzo-Pasta-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with chopped greens is served with a fork. The text above reads “One Pot Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta,” and “Eren’s Kitchen” is written at the bottom. - 3”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Parmesan-Lemon-Orzo-Pasta-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A wooden spoon scoops creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta with spinach from a large pot. Text overlay reads: “One Pot Parmesan Lemon Orzo Erren’s Kitchen. - 4”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/One-Pot-_Parmesan-Lemon-Orzo-Pasta-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Close-up of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta with spinach on a wooden spoon, next to the “Erren’s Kitchen” logo and text “One Pot Parmesan Lemon Orzo.” Step images show orzo in a pan, adding spinach, and the finished pasta dish. - 5”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Parmesan-Lemon-Orzo-Pasta-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with chopped greens is served with a fork. The text above reads “One Pot Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta,” and “Eren’s Kitchen” is written at the bottom. - 6”>

A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with wilted spinach, topped with grated cheese and chopped fresh herbs, with a fork resting on the side. - 7

This Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta is ready in just 25 minutes. This creamy, delicious one-pot recipe is great as a meal or served as a side dish.

in this article:

  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Erren’s Top Tips & Variations
  • Storing Leftovers ?
  • Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta

This Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta is one of my easiest recipes. Not only that, but it’s seriously delicious! I’ve made it a main meal and a side for my breaded chicken cutlets , seared salmon , and garlic butter cod . Each time it was a big hit, even with the kids!

JUMP TO RECIPE

A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with spinach and topped with grated cheese and fresh parsley, served with a spoon. Two wooden salt and pepper grinders are blurred in the background. - 8

Why This Recipe Works

  • Garlic gives this simple sauce an extra depth of flavor.
  • A mixture of milk & chicken stock offers creaminess without too making the dish too heavy.
  • Lemon zest and juice add brightness.
  • Parmesan cheese provides richness and an extra layer of flavor.

The best part of this simple dish is that it’s all cooked in one pan for minimum effort. The pasta develops incredible flavor as it absorbs all the goodness of each ingredient as it cooks.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

orzo, cream, chicken stock, and spinach - 9
  • Orzo – I use dried orzo pasta. You can use whole wheat, but the cooking time may be longer.
  • Milk – Whole milk works best. You can use low-fat milk, but the color will look less creamy. You can also use all stock and omit the milk altogether.
  • Stock – Chicken stock works really well, but if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, it can be replaced with vegetable stock
  • Vegetables – I use baby spinach because of its quick-cooking time, but it can be easily replaced with chopped baby asparagus, frozen peas, or corn.
  • Cheese – Parmesan cheese melts easily into the sauce, but it can be replaced with pecorino Ramano, Asiago, or Grana Padano.

Step By Step Instructions

Preheat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, add the garlic, and cook until aromatic (about 30 seconds).

Chopped garlic sautéing in melted butter in a white enameled pan with blue handles, the perfect start for a flavorful Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta, viewed from above on a white background. - 10

Add the milk, and stir with a whisk to deglaze the pan.

Milk is being poured from a bottle into a pot containing melted butter and minced garlic to start the base for Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta, with a blue handle visible on the side of the pot. - 11

Stir in the chicken stock, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and orzo.

A blue pot filled with creamy white soup, topped with uncooked Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta and sprinkled with black pepper and yellow seasoning in the center. - 12

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer covered (occasionally stirring) for 8 minutes.

A blue-handled pot filled with creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta simmers, with a wooden spoon resting on the edge of the pot. - 13

Stir in the spinach. If the mixture looks too dry, add more stock or cream to loosen, and allow to cook until the spinach is wilted and the orzo is al-dente.

A blue pot filled with Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta in creamy sauce and fresh spinach leaves, with a wooden spoon resting on top. - 14

Remove from heat. Mix in the cheese and lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed before serving.

A wooden spoon lifts creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with spinach from a blue pot, with the cheesy, saucy mixture visible in the background. - 15

Serve immediately to avoid drying out the sauce.

Erren’s Top Tips & Variations

  • The liquid quantities may vary depending on the heat of your stove , so keep an eye on it as it cooks. If it looks like it needs more liquid, add a little more stock or milk. If it seems too wet, let it sit for a bit longer, and the pasta will soak the excess liquid.
  • Swap the spinach with baby asparagus, frozen peas, or corn. You can swap it for longer-cooking vegetables, but they will need to be added sooner than the spinach.
  • Omit the cream and swap it with extra stock for a more savory dish.
  • Add some protein – Brown chicken or sausage meat before cooking the garlic for a whole new dish.

Storing Leftovers ?

I don’t recommend using this recipe as a make-ahead or freezer dish. Freezing will change the consistency of the pasta, and making ahead will dry it out and bloat the pasta.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, then reheat it on the stove with extra liquid to loosen until just heated.

Rate This Recipe

A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with wilted spinach, topped with grated cheese and chopped fresh herbs, with a fork resting on the side. - 16

Ingredients

  • ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
  • ▢ 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • ▢ 2 cups milk (or cream)
  • ▢ 3 cups chicken stock
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ▢ salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ▢ 12 oz orzo pasta (about 1½ cups)
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
  • ▢ ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
  • ▢ 8 oz fresh baby spinach
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

Instructions

  • Preheat a large deep skillet over medium heat.
  • Melt the butter, add the garlic and cook until aromatic (about 30 seconds).
  • Add the milk, and stir with a whisk to deglaze the pan.
  • Stir in the chicken stock, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and orzo.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer covered (occasionally stirring) for 8 minutes.
  • Stir in the spinach and allow to cook until the spinach is wilted and the orzo is al-dente (about 7 more minutes). If it looks too dry, add more stock or milk to loosen.
  • Remove from heat. The sauce may be a little thin but will thicken as it cools.
  • Mix in the cheese and lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed before serving. Serve immediately to avoid drying out the sauce.

Tips

Nutrition

A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with wilted spinach, topped with grated cheese and chopped fresh herbs, with a fork resting on the side. - 17

Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups milk or cream
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz orzo pasta about 1½ cups
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
  • 8 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice about 1 lemon

Instructions

  • Preheat a large deep skillet over medium heat.
  • Melt the butter, add the garlic and cook until aromatic (about 30 seconds).
  • Add the milk, and stir with a whisk to deglaze the pan.
  • Stir in the chicken stock, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and orzo.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer covered (occasionally stirring) for 8 minutes.
  • Stir in the spinach and allow to cook until the spinach is wilted and the orzo is al-dente (about 7 more minutes). If it looks too dry, add more stock or milk to loosen.
  • Remove from heat. The sauce may be a little thin but will thicken as it cools.
  • Mix in the cheese and lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed before serving. Serve immediately to avoid drying out the sauce.

Notes

Nutrition

Thank you for visiting Erren’s Kitchen!

A wooden spoon lifts creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with spinach from a blue pot, with the cheesy, saucy mixture visible in the background. - 18 A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with spinach and topped with grated cheese and fresh parsley, served with a spoon. Two wooden salt and pepper grinders are blurred in the background. - 19

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Parmesan-Lemon-Orzo-Pasta-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with chopped greens is served with a fork. The text above reads “One Pot Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta,” and “Eren’s Kitchen” is written at the bottom. - 20”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Parmesan-Lemon-Orzo-Pasta-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A wooden spoon scoops creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta with spinach from a large pot. Text overlay reads: “One Pot Parmesan Lemon Orzo Erren’s Kitchen. - 21”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/One-Pot-_Parmesan-Lemon-Orzo-Pasta-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Close-up of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta with spinach on a wooden spoon, next to the “Erren’s Kitchen” logo and text “One Pot Parmesan Lemon Orzo.” Step images show orzo in a pan, adding spinach, and the finished pasta dish. - 22”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Parmesan-Lemon-Orzo-Pasta-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with chopped greens is served with a fork. The text above reads “One Pot Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta,” and “Eren’s Kitchen” is written at the bottom. - 23”>

A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with wilted spinach, topped with grated cheese and chopped fresh herbs, with a fork resting on the side. - 24

This Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta is ready in just 25 minutes. This creamy, delicious one-pot recipe is great as a meal or served as a side dish.

in this article:

  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Erren’s Top Tips & Variations
  • Storing Leftovers ?
  • Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta

This Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta is one of my easiest recipes. Not only that, but it’s seriously delicious! I’ve made it a main meal and a side for my breaded chicken cutlets , seared salmon , and garlic butter cod . Each time it was a big hit, even with the kids!

JUMP TO RECIPE

A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with spinach and topped with grated cheese and fresh parsley, served with a spoon. Two wooden salt and pepper grinders are blurred in the background. - 25

Why This Recipe Works

  • Garlic gives this simple sauce an extra depth of flavor.
  • A mixture of milk & chicken stock offers creaminess without too making the dish too heavy.
  • Lemon zest and juice add brightness.
  • Parmesan cheese provides richness and an extra layer of flavor.

The best part of this simple dish is that it’s all cooked in one pan for minimum effort. The pasta develops incredible flavor as it absorbs all the goodness of each ingredient as it cooks.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

orzo, cream, chicken stock, and spinach - 26
  • Orzo – I use dried orzo pasta. You can use whole wheat, but the cooking time may be longer.
  • Milk – Whole milk works best. You can use low-fat milk, but the color will look less creamy. You can also use all stock and omit the milk altogether.
  • Stock – Chicken stock works really well, but if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, it can be replaced with vegetable stock
  • Vegetables – I use baby spinach because of its quick-cooking time, but it can be easily replaced with chopped baby asparagus, frozen peas, or corn.
  • Cheese – Parmesan cheese melts easily into the sauce, but it can be replaced with pecorino Ramano, Asiago, or Grana Padano.

Step By Step Instructions

Preheat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, add the garlic, and cook until aromatic (about 30 seconds).

Chopped garlic sautéing in melted butter in a white enameled pan with blue handles, the perfect start for a flavorful Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta, viewed from above on a white background. - 27

Add the milk, and stir with a whisk to deglaze the pan.

Milk is being poured from a bottle into a pot containing melted butter and minced garlic to start the base for Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta, with a blue handle visible on the side of the pot. - 28

Stir in the chicken stock, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and orzo.

A blue pot filled with creamy white soup, topped with uncooked Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta and sprinkled with black pepper and yellow seasoning in the center. - 29

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer covered (occasionally stirring) for 8 minutes.

A blue-handled pot filled with creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta simmers, with a wooden spoon resting on the edge of the pot. - 30

Stir in the spinach. If the mixture looks too dry, add more stock or cream to loosen, and allow to cook until the spinach is wilted and the orzo is al-dente.

A blue pot filled with Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta in creamy sauce and fresh spinach leaves, with a wooden spoon resting on top. - 31

Remove from heat. Mix in the cheese and lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed before serving.

A wooden spoon lifts creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with spinach from a blue pot, with the cheesy, saucy mixture visible in the background. - 32

Serve immediately to avoid drying out the sauce.

Erren’s Top Tips & Variations

  • The liquid quantities may vary depending on the heat of your stove , so keep an eye on it as it cooks. If it looks like it needs more liquid, add a little more stock or milk. If it seems too wet, let it sit for a bit longer, and the pasta will soak the excess liquid.
  • Swap the spinach with baby asparagus, frozen peas, or corn. You can swap it for longer-cooking vegetables, but they will need to be added sooner than the spinach.
  • Omit the cream and swap it with extra stock for a more savory dish.
  • Add some protein – Brown chicken or sausage meat before cooking the garlic for a whole new dish.

Storing Leftovers ?

I don’t recommend using this recipe as a make-ahead or freezer dish. Freezing will change the consistency of the pasta, and making ahead will dry it out and bloat the pasta.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, then reheat it on the stove with extra liquid to loosen until just heated.

Rate This Recipe

A plate of creamy Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta mixed with wilted spinach, topped with grated cheese and chopped fresh herbs, with a fork resting on the side. - 33

Ingredients

  • ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
  • ▢ 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • ▢ 2 cups milk (or cream)
  • ▢ 3 cups chicken stock
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ▢ salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ▢ 12 oz orzo pasta (about 1½ cups)
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
  • ▢ ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
  • ▢ 8 oz fresh baby spinach
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

Instructions

  • Preheat a large deep skillet over medium heat.
  • Melt the butter, add the garlic and cook until aromatic (about 30 seconds).
  • Add the milk, and stir with a whisk to deglaze the pan.
  • Stir in the chicken stock, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and orzo.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer covered (occasionally stirring) for 8 minutes.
  • Stir in the spinach and allow to cook until the spinach is wilted and the orzo is al-dente (about 7 more minutes). If it looks too dry, add more stock or milk to loosen.
  • Remove from heat. The sauce may be a little thin but will thicken as it cools.
  • Mix in the cheese and lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed before serving. Serve immediately to avoid drying out the sauce.

Tips

Nutrition