Description
A bright and refreshing dish combining tender chicken with creamy orzo pasta, infused with fresh lemon flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast (diced)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- To taste salt
- To taste pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Cook the diced chicken breast until golden brown and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, increase the heat to a boil, then lower the heat and add the orzo pasta.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Incorporate the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the pot, stirring until creamy.
- Fold in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, orzo, creamy, lemon, quick meal, dinner recipe, one-pot meal