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Creamy Chicken Orzo with Lemon and Spinach

A close-up of a bowl filled with creamy chicken orzo with lemon and spinach, garnished with zest.
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Make this simple, one-pot creamy chicken orzo dish featuring bright lemon flavor and fresh spinach. It is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to 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.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until the sauce is creamy.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until it wilts into the sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a little more lemon juice at the end.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo pasta.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/creamy-chicken-orzo-with-lemon-and-spinach/