Introduction
This creamy orzo dish with chicken and spinach is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s both comforting and quick to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy families. The blend of Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, tangy sauce that brings the ingredients together beautifully.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
– 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup sweet yellow (Vidalia) onion, diced
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2½ cups chicken broth
– ¾ cup heavy cream
– 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, packed
– 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Cooking this dish is a simple process that results in a delicious one-pan meal. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and nutritious spinach, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting dinner that satisfies everyone at the table.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Heat a large (12-inch) heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains and the pieces are lightly golden.
Step 2: Set Aside the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent. Stir in the Dijon mustard and cook for another 30-60 seconds.
Step 4: Add Broth and Orzo
Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the orzo is cooked al dente. Stir often to prevent sticking and burning.
Step 6: Add Final Ingredients
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, baby spinach leaves, and shredded Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
Step 7: Combine with Chicken
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to combine.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Notes
Storage
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the creamy consistency.
Variations
You can substitute orzo pasta with other small pasta shapes like couscous or quinoa for a different texture.
Seasoning Adjustments
Adjust the seasoning to taste; add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Adding extra vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance flavor.
Cook techniques
Searing Chicken
To achieve a golden crust on the chicken, heat the skillet over medium-high heat before adding the olive oil and chicken pieces. Sear the chicken until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
Sweating Aromatics
Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet after the chicken is cooked. This method allows the onions to soften and release their flavors, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
Deglazing
After cooking the aromatics, add the Dijon mustard to the skillet. This technique enhances the sauce by incorporating the browned bits stuck to the pan, adding depth to the flavor.
Simmering
Once you add chicken broth, heavy cream, and orzo pasta to the skillet, bring the mixture to a boil before reducing it to a simmer. This allows the orzo to absorb the flavors and become tender while the sauce thickens.
Wilting Greens
Add fresh baby spinach leaves at the end of cooking. The residual heat will wilt the spinach while preserving its vibrant color and nutrients.
Incorporating Cheese
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking for a creamy texture and rich flavor. Ensure it melts evenly throughout the dish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes, but adjust the cooking time as needed for different pasta varieties.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it, though the orzo may absorb more liquid and you’ll need to add a bit more broth or cream when reheating.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This creamy orzo chicken dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken, rich sauce, and vibrant spinach. The addition of lemon juice and zest brightens the dish, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy the wonderful medley of ingredients as a comforting main course that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Combine chicken with a variety of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, sautéed in soy sauce and sesame oil for a quick and healthy meal.
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Swap chicken for shrimp and add sun-dried tomatoes and kale to create a rich, flavorful pasta dish with a creamy garlic sauce.
Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken
Marinate chicken in lemon juice and garlic, then roast with potatoes and carrots for a flavorful and hearty one-pan dinner.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Fill chicken breasts with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, then bake for a deliciously stuffed entrée.
Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Toss cooked orzo with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella balls, and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing pasta salad.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Make a comforting risotto using arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and finish with cream and Parmesan cheese for a rich side dish.
