Why I Love a One Pot Meal
Let me tell you, a one pot meal is a lifesaver. You get a whole dinner from a single pot. That means less washing up after eating. I still laugh at how happy that makes me.
This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy nights. Everything cooks together in one cozy pot. The flavors all become friends. Doesn’t that smell amazing while it cooks? What is your favorite one pot meal to make?
The Story of My Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo
I first made this lemon chicken pasta for my grandson. He can be a picky eater. But he asked for seconds! That is a big win in my kitchen.
Now it’s a regular weeknight dinner idea. The creamy sauce comes from a special trick. I use a round of Boursin cheese. It melts right in and makes everything so rich. *Fun fact: Orzo pasta’s name means “barley” in Italian, because it looks like a grain!*
Why This Dish Feels So Good
This matters because food should make you feel good. The lemon makes it taste bright and fresh. The spinach adds a pop of green and good things for your body.
It’s a healthy chicken orzo recipe that doesn’t taste like “health food.” It just tastes like comfort. Using bone broth adds extra goodness, too. Do you prefer your meals creamy or brothy most days?
My Little Secret: The Boursin Cheese
That Boursin cheese recipe is my secret. It has herbs and garlic already in it. So you get so much flavor without lots of extra jars and bottles.
It turns the broth into a silky, creamy dream. This is why one pot pasta recipes are so clever. The pasta soaks up all that deliciousness. Have you ever cooked with Boursin or a similar cheese before?
A Family Friendly Dinner
This matters because everyone at the table enjoys it. The chicken is tender. The orzo is fun to eat. Even the spinach wilts down so nicely.
It truly is a family friendly dinner. You can serve it right from the pot on the table. It feels warm and shared. That is the best part of cooking for me. I hope this one pot creamy lemon chicken orzo becomes a favorite in your home, too.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado oil | 1 Tablespoon | or high quality olive oil |
| Chicken breast | 1 Pound | diced |
| Salt | ½ Teaspoon | |
| Black Pepper | ½ Teaspoon | |
| Onion powder | ½ Teaspoon | |
| Smoked paprika | ½ Teaspoon | |
| Italian seasoning | ½ Teaspoon | |
| Fresh Garlic Cloves | 3-4 | minced |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | ½-1 Cup | |
| Lemon | 1 | zested (Optional) |
| Lemon | 1 | juiced |
| Dry Orzo | 1.5 Cups | |
| Chicken bone broth or chicken broth | 3 Cups | |
| Boursin cheese, Garlic and Fine Herb | 1 (5.2 oz) | |
| Fresh Spinach | 8 Oz | |
| Fresh Basil | ½ Cup | chopped, to garnish |
Instructions
Step 1: Heat your oil in a big pot. Add the diced chicken and all those lovely seasonings. Let the chicken get a little golden on each side. This is the start of your easy dinner recipe. (Always pat chicken dry first for a better sear!)
Step 2: Turn the heat down a bit. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Now, pour in the lemon juice and dry orzo. Add the broth and give it a good stir. This one pot meal is coming together so fast.
Step 3: Bring it to a gentle bubble, then cover it. Let it cook for about 8 minutes. Stir it now and then so nothing sticks. This creamy lemon chicken orzo is almost ready. What’s your favorite one pot pasta recipe? Share below!
Step 4: Uncover your pot. Add the whole round of Boursin cheese. Stir until it melts into a dreamy, creamy sauce. This Boursin cheese recipe makes it so rich. I still laugh at how easy this is.
Step 5: Toss in all the fresh spinach and put the lid back on. In one minute, it will wilt perfectly. Stir it in, then top with fresh basil. Your healthy chicken orzo recipe is done! What a perfect family friendly dinner.
Creative Twists
Swap the spinach for chopped kale. Use shrimp instead of chicken for a quick change. Add a handful of artichoke hearts for extra flavor. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This lemon chicken pasta is a full meal in a bowl. For a fresh crunch, add a simple side salad. A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for dipping into that creamy sauce. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner idea. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Lemon Chicken Orzo Cozy
Let’s talk about storing this easy dinner recipe. It keeps beautifully for three days in the fridge. Just pop it in a sealed container. For longer storage, the freezer is your friend. Portion it out and freeze for up to three months.
I remember my first time freezing a one pot meal. I used a old butter tub. The lid popped right off. What a mess in my freezer. Now I use proper containers. It makes all the difference.
Reheating is simple. Add a splash of broth or water to a pot. Warm it on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir it gently until it’s hot and creamy again. This matters because a good meal shouldn’t be wasted. Batch cooking this healthy chicken orzo recipe means a ready-made dinner on a busy night. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
Even simple recipes can have little issues. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your orzo sticks, your heat was too high. Always stir it occasionally as it simmers. A good heavy pot helps too.
Second, if the sauce seems too thin, just let it cook uncovered for a minute. The extra liquid will evaporate. I once added broth too fast. Letting it simmer fixed everything.
Third, if your chicken is dry, you might have cooked it too long initially. Dicing it small helps it cook quickly and stay tender. Fixing these small things builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavors in your lemon chicken pasta just right. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What can be substituted for orzo?
You can use many small pastas. Ditalini or small elbow macaroni work great. You could also use pearled couscous. Just follow the same one pot pasta recipe steps. The cook time might be slightly different. Always check your package instructions for the best result.
What grain is similar to orzo?
Orzo is actually a pasta, not a grain. But it looks like rice. For a grain similar in size, try pearled couscous. It cooks in a similar time. It soaks up the delicious broth and cheese in this Boursin cheese recipe just like orzo does.
What are the ingredients in lemon chicken and orzo?
You need chicken, orzo, broth, and a lemon. This creamy lemon chicken orzo also uses Boursin cheese for creaminess. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and simple spices complete it. It’s a full one pot meal with protein, pasta, and veggies. That’s what makes it a perfect weeknight dinner idea.
Can you use regular rice instead of orzo?
I do not recommend regular rice here. It needs more liquid and a much longer cook time. Your chicken would overcook. Stick to small pasta or couscous for this family friendly dinner. They cook quickly and evenly with the other ingredients.
What can be used in place of orzo?
Small pasta shapes are the best swap. Try acini de pepe or even broken angel hair pieces. *Fun fact: “Orzo” means “barley” in Italian, because it looks like a grain!* Any small pasta will give you a similar comforting texture in this easy dinner recipe.
What grain is similar to orzo?
Remember, orzo is pasta. For a grain option, pearled couscous is your best match. It has a lovely, chewy texture. It will work in this one pot creamy lemon chicken orzo. Just keep an eye on the liquid level as it cooks. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this cozy recipe. It truly is a lifesaver on busy evenings. The creamy sauce and bright lemon make it special. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me how it turned out for your family. Your stories are my favorite thing to read. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
—Marina Caldwell
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet
Description
One Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by adding avocado oil or high quality olive oil into a 6 & ¾ quart dutch oven on medium heat. When the oil is hot, add in your diced chicken breast and your seasonings. Mix until your seasonings are well distributed on the chicken and then let cook for about 2 minutes on each side until the chicken begins to slightly brown.
- Next, lower your heat to medium-low and then add in your minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sautee for 30 seconds to a minute or until your garlic is fragrant. Next add in your lemon juice and lemon zest, if using, followed by your dried orzo and chicken bone broth. Give the mixture a stir and make sure that the orzo is submerged.
- Increase your heat back up to medium and then wait for your chicken bone broth to begin to bubble, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of your pan. Once the broth begins to bubble, lower your heat again and cover for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid is gone.
- Next, add in your boursin cheese and then give your orzo a stir until the boursin is melted in and combined.
- Then add in your fresh spinach. Cover the pot for about 1 minute to allow the fresh spinach to wilt before mixing it in (this will make it easier to stir in). Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimate per serving.