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+ servings

Bright and Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

A quick, creamy lemon chicken orzo packed with bright citrus and cheesy goodness, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Pasta, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasoning
  • 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
  • to taste Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons California olive oil divided
Orzo Base
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups baby spinach packed
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese about 2 ounces
Finishing Touches
  • 1 medium Meyer lemon zested and juiced, plus more to taste
  • for garnish lemon slices
  • for garnish chopped fresh Italian parsley

Method
 

Cook the Chicken
  1. Season the chicken breasts all over with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Start the Orzo
  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the orzo pasta and stir for 2 minutes to toast lightly. Pour in the chicken broth, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
Finish the Dish
  1. Uncover the skillet and stir in the baby spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring, until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as desired.
  3. Serve the creamy orzo topped with the sliced chicken. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 35gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 680mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Notes

Don't overcook the orzo; it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Remember to zest the lemon before juicing it. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly, while pre-grated versions can turn gritty. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For meal prep, portion into containers and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen. You can swap chicken breasts for thighs or use rotisserie chicken. For extra veggies, stir in peas, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes along with the spinach.

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