Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany with just one bite - a perfect harmony of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bright lemon flavors that dance on your palate. This Tuscan Lemon Chicken Orzo Primavera isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary journey that promises to elevate your weeknight cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, zesting and juicing the lemon, and chopping mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove cooked chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate. In the same skillet, add chopped mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp.
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook orzo pasta according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Return chicken to the vegetable skillet, add cooked orzo, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture. Gently toss to combine all ingredients and heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The lemon juice will brighten the flavors and add a fresh, zesty note.
- Plate the chicken orzo primavera and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving hot.
Tips
- Uniform Cutting: Dice chicken and chop vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- High Heat Technique: Use medium-high heat when sautéing chicken to achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Vegetable Crispness: Don't overcook your vegetables - they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture and nutritional value.
- Lemon Zest Bonus: Consider adding lemon zest along with the juice for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most vibrant flavor - pre-grated cheese can taste flat and lacks the same depth.
- One-Pan Variation: If you want to minimize cleanup, you can cook the orzo in the same skillet after the chicken and vegetables, reducing the number of dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 338kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
