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Chicken orzo in cast iron skillet showing golden-brown seared chicken thighs over creamy orzo pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley displaying perfect one-pan weeknight dinner presentation

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

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Aliana Recipes
This one-pan dinner combines tender chicken and toasted orzo in a velvety lemon sauce. It offers restaurant-quality comfort while ready in 30 minutes. I love how the zest adds brightness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings:4 people
Course:Dinner
Cuisine:American
Calories:650kcal
Cost:$15
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces Pat dry for better searing
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil Divided use
  • 1 medium onion diced Yellow or white works best
  • 2 cloves garlic minced Fresh is best for aroma
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta Do not rinse
  • 3 cups chicken broth Low sodium recommended
  • 1 cup heavy cream Room temperature prevents curdling
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated melts smoother
  • 1 lemon juiced and zested Zest brings the aroma
  • salt and pepper To taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet Deep enough for liquids
  • 1 chef knife For chopping vegetables
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring
  • 1 measuring cups For liquids and dry goods

Method
 

  1. Sear the seasoned chicken in olive oil to create a golden crust before removing it from the pan.
  2. Sauté the onion and garlic in the same pan to release aromatics until the onion is translucent.
  3. Toast the dry orzo in the pan to enhance the flavor profile until it turns light gold.
  4. Simmer the mixture with broth to soften the pasta until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  5. Stir in cream, cheese, and lemon to thicken the sauce until the chicken is heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 450gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Toast the orzo before adding liquid to create a nutty flavor depth that transforms the dish. Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers because the pasta soaks up the sauce.