by Kami Bigler posted in Life & Home

I've got the perfect summer dish for you, and it's a one pot dinner...bonus! Lemon chicken basil orzotto is a new favorite for our family. Think risotto made with orzo pasta. All you have to do is add chicken to this pasta dish and it becomes a complete meal - a rotisserie chicken would be perfect. It's great as a light dinner or a lunch. Or, leave the chicken out and it's a great side dish. It tastes great at room temperature too, so it would work good at a picnic, potluck or BBQ.

Does your family eat leftovers" Thankfully, my family does. I always seem to cook too much all at once, and I couldn?t imagine throwing all that food out. I have friends who say their families don?t eat leftovers, and that?s crazy to me. I made this dish for dinner, and it made a great lunch the next day.
Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup onion, diced fine

1½ cups orzo

3 cups chicken stock

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast

½ cup frozen petite green peas

? cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons basil leaves, chiffonade

1 teaspoon lemon zest

¼ cup heavy cream

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:

In a big saucepan, heat the olive oil and add the onion and saute until it's soft. Add the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring frequently. Bring to a simmer, lower the heat, and cover. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the liquid ...