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Weeknight • Chicken

Creamy Lemon-Dill Chicken Pastina

A comforting bowl of tiny pasta, tender chicken, and a bright, creamy lemon-dill sauce – pure weeknight magic!

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Creamy Lemon-Dill Chicken Pastina

Forget those sad, bland weeknight dinners! This creamy lemon-dill chicken pastina is here to save the day. Tiny pasta, succulent chicken, and a bright, herbaceous sauce come together in one pot for a meal that’s both comforting and surprisingly fresh. It’s a hug in a bowl!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo or ditalini pasta
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tbsp)
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving

  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Extra fresh dill

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the orzo or ditalini pasta and stir well. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  4. Step 4

    Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until warmed through and sauce has slightly thickened.

  5. Step 5

    Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh dill and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips

  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash more broth or reduce the cooking time slightly after adding the cream.
  • Don't overcook the pasta! It will continue to absorb liquid and soften as it sits.
  • Fresh dill is key here for that bright, herbaceous flavor, but a tablespoon of dried dill can be used in a pinch.

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