Lemon butter orzo is a simple side dish that’s deliciously buttery with fresh lemon flavor. In less than 15 minutes you can have a rice-like pasta side that goes well with nearly any main course.
I love cooking with orzo because it gives you the cozy, spoonable feel of rice with all the comfort of pasta. This lemon butter orzo is one of those simple recipes that feels special every time I make it — light, buttery, and bright enough to go with just about anything.
I cook the orzo until it’s perfectly tender, then finish it with butter and plenty of fresh lemon so every bite is rich but balanced. It’s the kind of side dish that quietly steals attention on the plate and often ends up being the first thing to disappear. I make it often, whether it’s alongside a simple weeknight dinner or part of a more relaxed, linger-at-the-table kind of meal.
For even more orzo, try my lemon chicken orzo soup !
Variations to try
We love the recipe exactly as written. But it’s also delicious with these variations:
- Instead of butter, use olive oil.
- Swap the parsley for some minced basil.
- Saute a little garlic in the pot before you add the orzo and stock.
Store and reheat
How long does cooked orzo last? Cooked orzo will keep well for 3-5 days if kept in a sealed container in your fridge.
What is the best way to reheat orzo? Add about a tablespoon of water to the orzo, then reheat it in a microwave or gently over low heat on the stovetop. The pieces will stick together, so you’ll need to use a spoon to gently separate them.
Can cooked orzo be frozen? Yes! Cooked orzo, like other pasta, freezes well. Make sure it’s completely cool then freeze it in freezer-safe containers.
What to serve with lemon butter orzo
Lemon butter orzo is a versatile side dish that goes well with so many different mains. Here are a few that we love to serve with it:
- Greek Chicken with Tomatoes and Feta
- Chicken Puttanesca
- Juiciest Baked Pork Tenderloin
- Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter
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For more inspiration, check out all of our side dish recipes !
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Lemon Butter Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock
- ½ teaspoon EACH: sea salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice , fresh is best!
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley , optional
Instructions
- Add the stock, orzo, salt, and pepper to a small pot over high heat and bring it to a boil. 1 cup orzo, 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock, ½ teaspoon EACH: sea salt and pepper
- Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and cook the orzo for 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, butter, and parsley. 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon minced parsley
https://www.theendlessmeal.com/lemon-butter-orzo/
Lemon butter orzo is a simple side dish that’s deliciously buttery with fresh lemon flavor. In less than 15 minutes you can have a rice-like pasta side that goes well with nearly any main course.
I love cooking with orzo because it gives you the cozy, spoonable feel of rice with all the comfort of pasta. This lemon butter orzo is one of those simple recipes that feels special every time I make it — light, buttery, and bright enough to go with just about anything.
I cook the orzo until it’s perfectly tender, then finish it with butter and plenty of fresh lemon so every bite is rich but balanced. It’s the kind of side dish that quietly steals attention on the plate and often ends up being the first thing to disappear. I make it often, whether it’s alongside a simple weeknight dinner or part of a more relaxed, linger-at-the-table kind of meal.
For even more orzo, try my lemon chicken orzo soup !
Variations to try
We love the recipe exactly as written. But it’s also delicious with these variations:
- Instead of butter, use olive oil.
- Swap the parsley for some minced basil.
- Saute a little garlic in the pot before you add the orzo and stock.
Store and reheat
How long does cooked orzo last? Cooked orzo will keep well for 3-5 days if kept in a sealed container in your fridge.
What is the best way to reheat orzo? Add about a tablespoon of water to the orzo, then reheat it in a microwave or gently over low heat on the stovetop. The pieces will stick together, so you’ll need to use a spoon to gently separate them.
Can cooked orzo be frozen? Yes! Cooked orzo, like other pasta, freezes well. Make sure it’s completely cool then freeze it in freezer-safe containers.
What to serve with lemon butter orzo
Lemon butter orzo is a versatile side dish that goes well with so many different mains. Here are a few that we love to serve with it:
- Greek Chicken with Tomatoes and Feta
- Chicken Puttanesca
- Juiciest Baked Pork Tenderloin
- Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter
Popular hearty sides
For more inspiration, check out all of our side dish recipes !
