Elevate your weeknight dinners with this comforting and flavorful Garlic Chicken with Orzo Pasta! Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts are seasoned with garlic and pan-seared to perfection before being nestled into a skillet of creamy, cheesy orzo. Toasted orzo pasta is simmered in savory chicken broth, infused with fragrant garlic, and finished with a rich blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a bright splash of fresh lemon juice. This one-pan wonder not only promises minimal cleanup but also delivers maximum flavor in just 40 minutes. Garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this hearty dish is perfect for family meals or an impressive yet effortless dinner idea. Tags: garlic chicken, creamy orzo pasta, one-pan dinner, quick and easy recipes, skillet meals, comfort food.
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to give it a slight golden color.
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo. Cover the skillet and let everything warm through for 3-4 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Calories |
3344 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.7 g | 173% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.3 g | 286% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 814 mg | 271% | |
| Sodium | 5826 mg | 253% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 238.1 g | 87% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.4 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 284.3 g | 569% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 709 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 20.7 mg | 115% | |
| Potassium | 2784 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.