This scrumptious and creamy Lemon Rooster Orzo Pasta is a one-pot meal that is excellent for busy weeknights! Tender rooster and creamy orzo coated in a lemon cream sauce that is past scrumptious! Topped with recent herbs and a squeeze of recent lemon juice, it is a recipe that the entire household will love!

For those who love this straightforward dinner recipe, make my cajun orzo and rosemary rooster orzo subsequent!

overhead photo of lemon chicken orzo pasta in a skillet topped with lemons and parsley.

Lemon orzo rooster is a kind of straightforward weeknight dinners that at all times hits the spot—brilliant, cozy, and filled with taste.

You sear the rooster till it’s golden brown and juicy, then prepare dinner up the aromatics, greens, and seasonings till aromatic! The tender orzo pasta soaks up all that savory lemony taste, making each chew creamy and epically scrumptious.

The lemon provides it a recent, tangy twist, and the rooster is so flavorful, it virtually melts in your mouth.

It’s a one-pot recipe, which implies much less mess, fewer dishes, and extra time to sit back after dinner (sure, please). This easy recipe has rapidly develop into one in every of my favourite recipes to make once I need one thing easy that I KNOW the children will devour. It’s a household favourite via and thru.

For those who’re in search of a no-fuss dinner that delivers huge taste, this lemon orzo rooster is the transfer!

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Lemon Rooster Orzo Recipe Components

up close photo of lemon chicken orzo pasta in a skillet.

(full record of substances and portions could be discovered within the recipe card)

Boneless skinless rooster thighs convey wealthy, juicy taste to lemon rooster orzo and keep tender via the entire cooking course of. In addition they launch savory juices into the pan, which helps create an excellent flavorful base for the tender orzo pasta.
Frozen Broccoli and corn add texture, shade, and crunch to this recipe! The broccoli brings a recent, barely earthy chew whereas the corn provides pops of sweetness that stability the creamy lemon flavors completely.
Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that soaks up the lemon cream sauce like a dream. It provides a hearty, comforting contact that barely resembles spring risotto however far simpler to make!
For seasonings, you will want Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. These are used on each the rooster and within the sauce for the pasta.
Parmesan provides a salty, nutty richness that ties all of the flavors collectively. As It melts, it creates a creamy sauce that makes it tacky and hearty.
Contemporary lemons brighten up the dish by including zesty, citrusy taste. The juice provides tang whereas the zest brings a recent burst that’s simply SO excellent. Keep away from utilizing the bottled stuff!
Heavy cream is the bottom of the lemon cream sauce. It provides a wealthy, velvety texture, permitting for a clean, mellow end that makes the dish really feel additional cozy.

Recipe Variations

To save lots of time, use rotisserie rooster! Simply chop it cup into chew sized items and add it as soon as the orzo is completed cooking.
As a substitute of broccoli and corn, you should use recent spinach, kale, bell peppers, and even high with some sliced cherry tomatoes for a pop of recent taste.
For those who choose boneless skinless rooster breasts, you may completely sub these in for rooster thighs. Simply be aware of cooking instances to forestall overcooking them.

Methods to make Lemon Rooster Orzo Pasta

Step 1: Pat rooster dry and seasoning with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper. Let a big skillet heat over medium excessive warmth for about 3-5 minutes, to get the pan good and scorching. Add olive oil and place rooster into the pan. Cook dinner on each side for 5-7 minutes per aspect, till cooked right through. Take away from the pan and place onto a plate. Cowl with aluminum foil and put aside.

broccoli, corn, onions, garlic, and seasonings in a skillet.

Step 2: Cut back temperature to medium warmth and add butter to the skillet. As soon as melted, add within the diced onion and prepare dinner for 3-5 minutes, till barely softened. Add within the broccoli and corn and proceed to prepare dinner till not frozen. Then add garlic, rooster bouillon paste, Italian seasoning, onion powder. Stir collectively and add within the orzo, stirring consistently for about 1-2 minutes, till the orzo is barely toasted.

chicken broth poured into a skillet with vegetables, onions, garlic, and orzo.

Step 3: Pour rooster broth into the pan and convey to a boil. Cowl and prepare dinner for 7-8 minutes, till al dente.

lemon chicken orzo in a skillet with a serving spoon.

Step 4: . Take away the lid and pour in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. Proceed to prepare dinner for about 5-6 minutes, till the sauce barely thickens and the parmesan is absolutely melted. Stir every thing collectively and add the rooster again in. Garnish with recent parsley and lemon slices.

Ideas

Sear the rooster till golden brown! This builds taste and retains the rooster juicy. Don’t rush it—let it get good and crispy and deeply golden!
Toast the orzo earlier than simmering, simply a few minutes within the pan helps deepen the flavour and retains it from turning mushy.
Don’t overcook the orzo – it ought to be tender however nonetheless have a tiny chew. Of word, It’ll preserve cooking a bit even after you’re taking it off the warmth so be aware of cooking instances to forestall overcooking.
Add the lemon juice on the finish, this retains that lemon taste good and brilliant! For those who add too early, the warmth will prepare dinner out the lemon taste.
Use a pan large enough for every thing to simmer evenly. A large skillet or braiser is ideal for this lemon rooster orzo pasta recipe.

Methods to Serve

Serve lemon rooster orzo pasta straight from the pan whereas it’s nonetheless heat and creamy!

For sides, pair with a recent chopped vegetable salad or roasted inexperienced beans and a few crusty sourdough garlic bread to take in each final little bit of that lemony goodness!

Recipe FAQs

Can I take advantage of rooster breasts as an alternative of thighs?

Sure, rooster breasts can be utilized rather than thighs. Nevertheless, rooster thighs are sometimes most popular for his or her juiciness and taste. If utilizing breasts, guarantee they’re cooked correctly to forestall dryness.

Can I make this dish forward of time?

Sure, lemon rooster orzo could be ready prematurely. Retailer it in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep up its creamy consistency.

Is orzo a sort of rice or pasta?

Orzo is a sort of pasta that resembles rice in form. Constituted of semolina flour, it is generally utilized in Mediterranean dishes and could be ready equally to different pasta varieties.

Can I freeze lemon rooster orzo?

You’ll be able to however it might change the texture of the orzo when thawing. It might develop into mushy. For those who resolve to freeze it, retailer in an hermetic container for as much as three months and thaw within the fridge earlier than reheating.

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