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Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta

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This Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta is filled with brightness and flavor – creamy parmesan, orzo, lemon zest, and fresh basil – you will love it!

If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing pasta dish, then look no further than lemon orzo basil pasta! This dish is bursting with flavor and is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s super easy to make. (Click here to see my other pasta dishes.)

Several years ago I was at my aunt’s funeral and we found a hand-written recipe card for this lemon basil pasta dish – she didn’t have any amounts written down, just pasta, lemon, basil, olive oil, salt, and parm. I took a couple weeks to tinker around with the recipe until I got a delicious combination of these flavors – and wow it is so delicious all together! This is a recipe for her!

The combination of lemon, basil, and orzo with fresh parmesan cheese and chicken, creates a meal with flavors that are both bright and savory. You will love it. This Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta is perfect for a whole meal or a side dish – and it’s a great dish to bring to get-together. You can make it with the chicken, or keep it out.

The origins of lemon basil pasta can be traced back to Italy, where pasta has been a staple food for centuries. Italians are known for their love of fresh herbs and citrus, and so it is no surprise that the combination of lemon and basil was used to create this dish.

The best part about this lemon basil pasta is how easy it is to create for the amount of flavor. I feel like many of the best recipes have the simplest ingredients.

Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta

This Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta is filled with brightness and flavor – creamy parmesan, orzo, lemon zest, and fresh basil – you will love it!

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3-4 chicken breasts
  • garlic salt
  • olive oil

Lemon Orzo Pasta

  • 1 lb. orzo (16 oz)
  • 1 cup fresh parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Chicken

  • Flatten chicken breasts with a meat mallet.
  • Heat a nonstick pan to medium-high heat.
  • Season each side of the chicken lightly with garlic salt.
  • Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the pan and place the chicken in the pan. Sear chicken on each side (4-6 minutes) until browned.
  • Once cooked, remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
  • Chop into pieces and set aside.

Lemon Orzo

  • Cook orzo according to package directions. Strain and add to a large bowl, then toss in olive oil.
  • Add in juice from both lemons and garlic salt. Mix well.
  • Then add in fresh parm, chopped basil, and lemon zest.
  • Add in chicken and toss to combine.
  • Serve immediately. Enjoy!

I hope you love this Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta as much as my family does! Be sure to tag me if you make it!

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2 Comments

  1. Can I cook the orzo in chicken broth instead of water?

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