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One-Pan Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Chicken and Spinach

Close-up of creamy orzo pasta mixed with chunks of chicken and wilted spinach served in a white bowl.
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You can make this flavorful, comforting orzo pasta dish in just one pan. It combines tender chicken, bright lemon, savory garlic, and fresh spinach into a creamy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.
  8. Fold in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the orzo. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken with Italian sausage or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • For extra brightness, add lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
  • This dish works well as a satisfying main course or a flavorful orzo side dish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/creamy-lemon-garlic-chicken-orzo-pasta/