Description
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that perfectly combines tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and zesty lemon. This one-pan meal is not only quick to prepare—taking just about 45 minutes—but it also minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. With a rich sauce enhanced by fresh lemon zest and Parmesan cheese, this dish delivers a delightful taste experience that will surely satisfy your family’s cravings for comfort food. Whether served for dinner or as a meal prep option, Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo promises to impress with its vibrant flavors and creamy texture.
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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through (5-7 minutes), then transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft (about 3 minutes), then add garlic and orzo; cook until lightly toasted (1-2 minutes).
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to the pan; cook uncovered until orzo is tender and sauce thickens (10-12 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg