Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Easy 20-Minute Dinner Recipe
This creamy lemon chicken orzo is a quick and easy one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a bright lemon-infused sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a comforting, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 344kcal
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3¼ cups chicken broth, divided
- 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
- 3 cups shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons julienned basil
Instructions
- Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, toasting the orzo until it is lightly brown and the spices are fragrant.
- Pour in 3 cups of chicken stock, heavy whipping cream, and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Add the chopped kale. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid has reduced.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and ¼ cup chicken stock. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through. If the mixture seems too thick, add more stock to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For a pop of color and flavor, top with julienned basil.
Notes
Don't skip the step of toasting the orzo. It adds flavor and helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
Watch the pasta as it cooks. If it absorbs too much liquid and becomes dry, add more stock, a tablespoon at a time, to maintain a creamy consistency.
Using fresh lemon juice (and zest, if desired) significantly enhances the flavor, providing a bright, natural citrus taste.
Save your rotisserie chicken carcass to make homemade rotisserie chicken stock.
Watch the pasta as it cooks. If it absorbs too much liquid and becomes dry, add more stock, a tablespoon at a time, to maintain a creamy consistency.
Using fresh lemon juice (and zest, if desired) significantly enhances the flavor, providing a bright, natural citrus taste.
Save your rotisserie chicken carcass to make homemade rotisserie chicken stock.
Nutrition
Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 817mg | Potassium: 510mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1272IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 1mg
