Description
This Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo is the ultimate comfort dish that combines grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and tender orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that feels indulgent but is packed with Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for weeknights or casual dinner parties, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts
1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup broccoli florets
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Let the chicken rest, then slice it thinly.
2. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the broccoli, zucchini, bell pepper, and garlic for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
3. Add the orzo to the pan with the vegetables, stirring to coat the pasta in the oils. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
5. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and heat everything together for a few minutes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.
Notes
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for the heavy cream. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or more vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to skip the grilling step.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: comfort, orzo, creamy, chicken, Mediterranean