Cheesy Orzo Pasta Recipe

Name: Cheesy Orzo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 8, 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cups water; 2 cups chicken broth; ¼ teaspoon lemon zest; 1 ½ cups orzo; ½ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste); ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 - 1 ½ cups colby jack cheese (grated)

5 / 5 (3 reviews)

Cheesy Orzo - a simple and delicious cheesy orzo recipe that is packed with flavor and the perfect side dish for any meal!

By: Thewoodenskillet (via Thewoodenskillet)

Original Publish: Feb 23, 2023

Last Updated: Mar 4, 2026

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Yields: 8, 8 servings

Nutrition Facts

218 kcalCalories

10 gProtein

22 gCarbs

10 gFat

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
3 cups water
2 cups chicken broth
¼ teaspoon lemon zest
1 ½ cups orzo
½ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 - 1 ½ cups colby jack cheese (grated)

Instructions

Want to see how it turns out?

We've hidden the final 3 steps to support the original creator. Get the full, complete instructions directly from their site!

Continue Reading at Thewoodenskillet →

Chef's Notes

Chicken Broth: you can use all water, BUT for best results use the recommended chicken broth – it really brings in a ton of added flavor!
Lemon Zest: we don’t want it to taste too lemony, that tiny bit of zest goes a long way and just amplifies the flavor by adding a bit of acidity!
Storage: store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Serving: we love serving this with these Oven Baked Meatballs and if you want to add some veggies, we suggest Easy Steamed Broccoli!

Category:

Cuisine:

Method & Tags:

Comments & Photos

Be the first to share your thoughts!

Reviews from the Original Source

Erin ★ 5.0/5

So easy and so good!

Jennifer ★ 5.0/5

Delicious! Definitely making again.

Alyson ★ 5.0/5

So delicious! The lemon zest really elevates the dish. Paired it with mini meatballs. Will definitely be making again.

Did you make this recipe?

Thanks for rating!

Replying to User

Name

Comment

Add a photo of your creation!

Cheesy Orzo Pasta Recipe

Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

Instructions

Want to see how it turns out?

Chef's Notes

Comments & Photos

Reviews from the Original Source

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a Comment

More from Thewoodenskillet

Infused Black Tea + Sweet Honey Whiskey

Orange Chicken Meatballs

Creamy Cinnamon Cold Brew Cashew Latte

Work Lunch Greek Chicken Salad