Description
Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta is a bright, creamy dish made with zesty lemon, fresh basil, parmesan, and tender chicken. It’s simple yet flavorful—ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a refreshing side.
Ingredients
- 3–4 chicken breasts
- Garlic salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken)
- 1 lb orzo (16 oz)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for pasta)
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
Instructions
- Flatten chicken breasts with a meat mallet and season both sides with garlic salt.
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Cook chicken for 4–6 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook orzo in salted water according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add 3 tablespoons olive oil to the orzo and toss to coat.
- Stir in lemon juice, garlic salt, parmesan, chopped basil, and lemon zest.
- Add the chopped chicken and mix everything together until combined.
- Serve warm and garnish with extra basil or parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken.
- Cook orzo in chicken broth for added flavor.
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus can be added for extra texture and nutrition.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or olive oil to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
