Description
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a hearty dish that combines savory chicken with tender orzo pasta and a burst of lemon flavor, making it perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
- 1 large chicken breast or tenders, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2–1/4 cups whole milk
- 1–1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach
- 2 large lemons (1 tablespoon zest and 1/4 cup juice)
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Add the finely diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Now, add the diced chicken to the pot, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is browned, stir in the butter and let it melt completely.
- Next, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Afterward, add the Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and whole milk, stirring everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- When it starts bubbling, add the uncooked orzo. Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the dish warm, enjoying the vibrant flavors of lemon and chicken.
Notes
For a creamier dish, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream towards the end of cooking. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy, lemon, chicken, orzo, one-pot, pasta, comfort food