Lemon Chicken and Orzo Primavera
Juicy seared chicken, creamy orzo, and fresh spring veggies come together in a bright lemon-garlic sauce. This one-pot lemon chicken and orzo primavera is cozy, vibrant, and easy to clean up.
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 625kcal
Equipment
- Large Skillet with lid
- Citrus juicer and zester
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast diced
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 1 cup Orzo pasta uncooked
- 3-4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 Lemon juice and zest
- 1 ½ cups Asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 oz. package frozen peas
- 1 large shallot finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (if the sauce seems dry at the finish add a bit more cream.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh Flat-leaf Parsley to sprinkle on top along with a bit more fresh Parmesan cheese.
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Toast Orzo: Add and melt the butter in the same pan, then add the shallot and garlic, and finally add the dry orzo. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until it starts to look golden.
- Simmer: Add the broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 9-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Add Veggies: Add asparagus and frozen peas, then cook for the last 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Finish: Add the cooked chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Stir until the sauce is creamy.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Flavor:
Lemon Intensity: Use both the zest and fresh juice of one full lemon for the brightest flavor.
Garlic Flavor: May use an additional clove of garlic or garlic flavoring for a more pronounced garlic taste.
Veggie Alternatives: Add in equal amounts of zucchini, spinach, or broccoli if you don't have the peas and asparagus.
Lemon Intensity: Use both the zest and fresh juice of one full lemon for the brightest flavor.
Garlic Flavor: May use an additional clove of garlic or garlic flavoring for a more pronounced garlic taste.
Veggie Alternatives: Add in equal amounts of zucchini, spinach, or broccoli if you don't have the peas and asparagus.
Nutrition
Calories: 625kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 1047mg | Potassium: 921mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1684IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 240mg | Iron: 4mg