Description
A comforting one-pan creamy lemon chicken orzo made with tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, fresh spinach, and bright lemon flavor for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast lightly for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy orzo over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for a quicker preparation.
- Add extra vegetables like asparagus, peas, or broccoli for more texture and nutrition.
- Half-and-half may be substituted for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating leftovers to loosen the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid overheating during reheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
