Description
Make this bright, zesty lemon chicken orzo dish in one pot for easy cleanup. It cooks quickly and results in a creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and stir until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the dish is creamy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute asparagus or zucchini for spinach if you prefer a different vegetable.
- For a richer flavor, use low-sodium chicken broth.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 140