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Looking down at a bowl of lemon chicken orzo with spinach and parmesan, garnished with lemon slices.

Lemon Chicken Orzo

Creamy lemon chicken orzo with tender chicken, spinach, and parmesan in a rich sauce, ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 530
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium chicken breasts pounded to 1/2 inch thick evenly
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
  • Salt and pepper
  • 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 plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium lemon plus more to taste (zested and juiced)
  • Lemon slices for garnish
  • Chopped Italian parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Season Chicken Breasts:

    Coat the chicken breasts with a drizzle of olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, roughly 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt per breast, and black pepper.

  2. Cook and Rest Chicken:

    Over medium heat, warm a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6 minutes per side until the center is fully cooked. Take the chicken out and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:

    In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Cook the onion until softened, then add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.

  4. Cook Orzo in Broth:

    Add the orzo pasta and stir for about 2 minutes, then pour in the chicken broth. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Bring to a gentle boil, lower to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12 minutes.

  5. Add Spinach and Cream:

    When the orzo is tender, uncover and mix in the spinach, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.

  6. Add Lemon Zest and Juice:

    Add lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to taste.

  7. Top with Chicken and Garnish:

    Top with sliced chicken, garnish with lemon slices and Italian parsley, and serve.