Description

This Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delightful and flavorful dish, featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, combining quality ingredients for a homestyle meal that pleases everyone!

Ingredients

Scale

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil divided
½ onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cups orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups fresh spinach chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 lemon zested and juiced

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Instructions

Pound the chicken to about ½ inch thickness and slice into strips.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add to the skillet.
Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned, then set aside.
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, followed by the chopped onion. Cook until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant for about 1 minute.
Add the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Return the chicken to the skillet.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering it for 10–15 minutes until the orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Mix in spinach, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice. Cook until the spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Pounding the chicken evenly ensures it cooks uniformly and stays juicy.
Feel free to substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard if desired.
This dish is perfect for leftovers; just reheat gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 43g
Cholesterol: 145mg