Go Back

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo

Tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, bright lemon, and orzo pasta come together in this comforting one-pan dinner recipe.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Orzo
  • 2 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 large lemon juiced and zested
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Chef knife
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté onion until softened.
  4. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  5. Stir in orzo pasta and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
  7. Simmer uncovered until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  8. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  9. Return chicken to skillet and simmer until creamy and heated through.
  10. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

For extra richness, add additional parmesan before serving. Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the brightest flavor.