Lemon Butter Orzo
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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:
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
Equipment Used
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Popular hearty sides
For more inspiration, check out all of our side dish recipes!
I’d never had orzo before until I found this recipe on Pinterest and now it’s one of my favs. Who knew orzo was so good!!! So easy to make and goes with so many things as a quick side. 10/10
I love this so much — welcome to the orzo fan club! 😄 It really is one of those little ingredients that surprises you. I’m so glad it’s become a favorite and that you’re reaching for it as an easy side. Thanks so much for sharing! 💛
This is soooo good! Perfect beside my Salmon, bonus is the simplicity and time it took to cook.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! 😊 It sounds perfect with salmon — and yes, quick and simple recipes that taste amazing are always a win!
Would this be good served cold?
Great question! Yes, this can definitely be served cold—especially if you’re making it as a pasta salad. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, as flavors can mellow a bit once chilled. Enjoy! 😊🥗
I make this frequently and it is always a hit. Sometimes, I put a little olive oil in the pan, add the orzo and brown it slightly…..then follow the rest of the recipe. It makes it very pretty with the different colored orzo. We love it with halibut!
That sounds delicious! I love the idea of toasting the orzo first—such a great way to add depth and a beautiful golden color. And serving it with halibut sounds absolutely perfect!
The recipe is superb…and I didn’t change a thing!
Thanks, Laura!
This is one of my favorite recipes of all time- fast, easy, inexpensive, and I almost always have the ingredients on hand! I typically make it with orzo but I had a bunch of pearl couscous I wanted to use up and it worked perfectly as well. I think I will be making this one for the rest of my life.
I love hearing this—what a wonderful compliment! Using pearl couscous sounds like a delicious twist, and I’m so glad the recipe is a staple in your kitchen. Here’s to many more meals you’ll enjoy for years to come! 😊🍽️
It’s both light and filling, making it a perfect side dish. And when you sprinkle some fresh herbs or parmesan on top, the flavor becomes even richer. Truly, once you’ve had a plate, it’s hard to stop!
Happy to hear it was a hit!
Made it for the first time tonight as a side for chicken and broccoli. So very tasty and I can see adding mushrooms and/or other tasty veggies would suit this recipe well.
Oh yes, veggies would be great in this recipe!
I used this orzo recipe that was served in a gyro bowl along with chicken, lamb and veggies. It was delicious. Followed the recipe exactly. Would definitely make again
Such a great serving idea!
This lemon butter orzo recipe is so tasty, simple, quick and easy, I enjoy making this as a side for my toddler grandsons whom I babysit. And they enjoy eating it! I’ve saved the recipe on my phone and printed it for my recipe binder. Thanks!
I’m thrilled that you and your grandsons love the recipe!
Love it, love it, love it. Will try lowering the heat more when I make it again today. And will try sautéing with the Olive oil as suggested be another.
Very good! I sautéed the orzo with about 1 tsp of olive oil then added the stock brought it to a boil then to a simmer on low for about 14 minutes stirring occasionally. Only adding a squeeze of lemon and it came out delicious!
Delicious but burned the bottom when cooking on medium heat.Will lower the temp this time and add a bit of olive oil while cooking.