Lemon Chicken Orzo
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, spinach, Parmesan, and fresh lemon.Ready in about 40 minutes.Perfect for easy family weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts pounded to ½-inch thickness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium lemon zested and juiced
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Chopped Italian parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and remaining Italian seasoning. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and toast it for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, season lightly with salt and pepper, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 12 minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until creamy.
- Mix in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet or serve it over the creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Add a splash of extra cream for an even richer sauce.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Sprinkle additional Parmesan before serving.