This 15 minute lemon butter orzo is everything you want in a quick, refreshing meal. It’s light but creamy, simple yet flavorful, and comes together in one pan with just a few everyday ingredients. Whether you need a fast lunch, a simple side dish, or a weeknight dinner that doesn’t feel like a chore, this recipe delivers.

The orzo cooks directly in the pan with garlic, broth, and butter. The starch released during cooking creates a naturally creamy texture — no cream required. Add fresh spinach for color and nutrition, and finish it all off with bright, zesty lemon juice. The result is cozy and vibrant, rich but still clean and fresh.

This 15 minute lemon butter orzo is perfect for beginners, busy cooks, and anyone who loves fast, feel-good food. You can serve it solo, dress it up with grilled chicken or shrimp, or portion it out for healthy lunches all week. It’s a recipe that works hard and tastes amazing.

Why You’ll Love This 15 Minute Lemon Butter Orzo

It’s ready fast
No need to wait around — this 15 minute lemon butter orzo really is done in one pot and one pan with minimal prep.

It’s fresh and comforting
The lemon gives it brightness, the butter adds richness, and the spinach makes it feel balanced and light.

It uses simple ingredients
Just five basic things — orzo, butter, garlic, lemon, and spinach — plus a little broth. That’s it.

It’s beginner friendly
If you’ve never cooked orzo before, this is a great place to start. The steps are easy and forgiving.

It’s flexible
Serve it as a side or make it the main. Add protein if you want to bulk it up, or eat it just as it is for a clean, vegetarian dish.

It’s naturally creamy
No cream, no cheese — the starch from the orzo creates a creamy texture as it cooks, especially when stirred gently with butter and lemon.

This 15 minute lemon butter orzo is more than just quick — it’s versatile, flavorful, and the kind of recipe that works whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family.

What You’ll Need

Orzo – A small pasta that cooks fast and becomes naturally creamy
Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the base of the dish
Garlic – Provides that comforting aroma and depth
Lemon – Both juice and zest are used for maximum flavor
Spinach – Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh bite

Optional add-ins: grated parmesan, olive oil, chili flakes, cooked chicken, or white beans

Ingredients

1 cup orzo (uncooked)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
3 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: grated parmesan, chili flakes, olive oil, fresh herbs

This recipe makes 2–3 servings and is easy to double.

How to Make 15 Minute Lemon Butter Orzo with Spinach

Step 1: Sauté the garlic in butter
Melt the butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. The base of this 15 minute lemon butter orzo starts with flavor from the very first step.

Step 2: Toast the orzo
Add the orzo directly to the pan and stir it into the garlic butter. Toast the pasta for 1 to 2 minutes to bring out its nutty aroma and add richness to the final dish.

Step 3: Simmer with broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir. Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. It will soak up the liquid and start to become creamy as it cooks.

Step 4: Add lemon and spinach
Once the orzo is almost done and most of the broth is absorbed, lower the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and spinach. Stir gently until the spinach is fully wilted and mixed in. The sauce should be smooth and thick.

Step 5: Season and serve
Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of grated parmesan if desired. Serve warm, garnished with extra lemon zest or chili flakes.

Flavor Boosters and Add-Ins

This 15 minute lemon butter orzo is incredible as-is, but here’s how to make it your own:

Make it cheesy
Stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan, crumbled feta, or soft goat cheese before serving.

Add heat
Sprinkle in red chili flakes while cooking the garlic, or drizzle chili oil over the finished dish.

Try other greens
Baby arugula, kale (lightly steamed), or chopped fresh herbs like parsley and dill can add new flavors.

Make it heartier
Add a can of drained chickpeas, pan-seared tofu, or grilled chicken on top.

Serve it cold
Let the orzo cool and toss it with extra lemon juice and olive oil for a quick orzo salad.

Add a crunch
Top with toasted pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or crispy breadcrumbs for texture.

What to Serve With Lemon Butter Orzo

This dish is great on its own but also makes the perfect side for:

Grilled chicken or salmon
Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
Crispy pan-fried tofu
Lamb chops or lemon herb shrimp
A side salad with cucumber, tomato, and olive oil
A bowl of lentil soup or vegetable broth

For more orzo recipes, check out Allrecipes’ Orzo Collection.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This dish is great for meal prep or next-day leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently in a pan or microwave with a splash of broth or water
Do not freeze — the texture of the orzo and spinach won’t hold up
To freshen leftovers, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving

Meal prep tip: You can double the recipe and portion it into containers for ready-to-go lunches all week

Nutrition Tips and Swaps

Use whole wheat orzo for extra fiber and nutrition
Add a can of white beans or lentils for more protein
Use plant based butter and veggie broth to make it vegan
Add kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different green
Skip cheese to keep it lighter, or stir in a spoon of hummus for creaminess without dairy
Top with nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy free version

This 15 minute lemon butter orzo is rich in flavor but can easily be adjusted to fit different diets

FAQs

Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Yes, but the cook time will be longer. Arborio rice works best for creaminess.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and drain it well before adding it in at the end.

Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas all go great with it.

Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
Fresh lemon is best, but bottled juice works in a pinch. Just reduce the amount slightly.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Make everything except the spinach, then stir in fresh greens when reheating.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as strong. Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.

Chef Aiden’s Tip

The magic in this 15 minute lemon butter orzo comes from toasting the orzo in butter before adding liquid. It gives it a slightly nutty flavor that takes the whole dish up a notch. Always zest the lemon before cutting it, and add the zest at the end for maximum flavor. Want a creamier result? Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone just before serving.