Description
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delightful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and zesty lemon for a flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in just 45 minutes, this comforting recipe is not only quick to prepare but also minimizes cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal with family and friends. Each bite offers a rich taste enhanced by fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, making it an impressive yet simple option for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- 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
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown (5–7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté finely chopped onion until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and orzo, cooking for another 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pan and cook uncovered until orzo is tender (10–12 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm garnished with parsley and lemon slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg