Description
Perfectly grilled chicken paired with creamy orzo pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal. This versatile recipe can be adapted for gluten-free and vegetarian diets.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While chicken is cooking, bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain orzo but reserve 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Return orzo to the pot and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. Stir until creamy, adding reserved cooking liquid if needed.
- Slice grilled chicken and serve over the creamy orzo. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu, and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with 1/2 cup orzo
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, creamy orzo, quick dinner, easy meal, Mediterranean dish
