Lemon Chicken Orzo: A Refreshing One-Pot Wonder
Are you in search of a meal that’s both comforting and refreshing? Look no further than this Lemon Chicken Orzo recipe, a delightful blend of tangy lemon and creamy textures, all rounded out with the rich flavors of Parmesan and fresh spinach. It’s the perfect dish for those evenings when you want something satisfying yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups cooked shredded/rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Start the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it softens.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Cook for 2-3 minutes, frequently stirring, to toast the orzo slightly and infuse it with the seasonings.
- Cook the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to maintain a mild simmer. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Add Chicken: Mix in the cooked shredded chicken, ensuring it warms through evenly within the orzo mixture.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the spinach to wilt. This also helps the dish thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the orzo hot, ensuring it’s creamy and vibrant.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
This Lemon Chicken Orzo is a fabulous choice for a weeknight dinner or a casual dining experience with friends. Its creamy texture, combined with the zest of lemon and the richness of Parmesan, makes it a dish that’s bound to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this easy, flavorful meal any night of the week!
Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings together the fresh and zesty flavor of lemon with tender chicken and creamy orzo pasta. The addition of spinach not only adds a pop of color but also a boost of nutrients, making this dish both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
2 cups cooked shredded/rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to infuse the orzo with flavor and lightly toast it.
Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid should gently bubble; avoid a vigorous boil to prevent excessive reduction before the pasta is cooked.
Stir in the shredded chicken.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until the dish thickens to your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450