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Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken

This Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken is quick, easy, and absolutely scrumptious. It's the ultimate spring-summer dinner; light yet incredibly tasty. It's an instant hit you can count on.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 675 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • ½ lb dry orzo pasta
  • 2 lbs chicken breast tenders
  • olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 TB salted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 2 TB freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup freshly torn basil leaves
  • Garnish: Lemon wedges more parmesan, extra basil leaves

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a pot of generously salted water, cook orzo just until al dente; don't overcook. Drain and toss with about 2 TB olive oil to prevent sticking. Keep warm.
  2. While pasta is cooking: pat dry the moisture from chicken tenders with paper towels. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly on both sides of chicken pieces.
  3. In a large skillet (not non-stick) add 4 TB olive oil over medium high heat. When oil is hot, cook chicken tenders just until no longer pink in center, about 2-3 min per side (depending on thickness of chicken.) Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.
  4. In same used skillet, add the butter over medium high heat. Once melted, add garlic and onion, stirring 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add wine; deglaze pan by scraping bits loose with your spatula while the liquid cooks. Reduce liquid by half, about 3 minutes. Add lemon juice and turn off heat. Add kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste (1/4-1/2 tsp each.)
  5. Place cooked orzo in a large serving bowl; toss with freshly grated parmesan and onion/garlic mixture. Toss in basil leaves. Serve with chicken and garnish as desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories 675kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 57.5g (19%) Protein 67.4g (135%) Fat 18.4g (28%) Saturated Fat 8.6g (43%) Cholesterol 195.1mg (65%) Sodium 450.4mg (19%) Fiber 3.1g (12%) Sugar 6.5g (13%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 675

% Daily Value*

Calories 675kcal 34%
Carbohydrates 57.5g 19%
Protein 67.4g 135%
Fat 18.4g 28%
Saturated Fat 8.6g 43%
Cholesterol 195.1mg 65%
Sodium 450.4mg 19%
Fiber 3.1g 12%
Sugar 6.5g 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.