Description
This delicious creamy lemon chicken orzo is the perfect weeknight meal! It’s packed with bright and citrusy flavors, and it’s creamy and cheesy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (small-diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach (packed)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 medium lemon (zested and juiced)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Chopped Italian parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step: Season the chicken breasts with a few drizzles of olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Step: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet, let rest for 10 minutes, and slice.
- Step: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Sauté onions until softened. Add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
- Step: Stir in the orzo pasta for 2 minutes, then add the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes.
- Step: Uncover the skillet and stir in the spinach, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy.
- Step: Stir in lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to taste.
- Step: Serve with sliced chicken on top and garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley.
Notes
Do not overcook the orzo; 10-12 minutes is sufficient. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 528 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: lemon chicken orzo, creamy orzo, chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, citrus chicken