Description
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delightful meal that combines rich flavors of chicken, the brightness of lemon, and the comforting texture of orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken pieces evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt, then add the finely chopped onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic and orzo, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Then add the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the dish warm, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with vegetables and use vegetable broth; for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Orzo, Lemon Chicken Pasta, One Pot Meal