Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful orzo, this creamy lemon orzo with chicken and spinach is the perfect recipe. It’s easy to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients that make it both satisfying and delightful to eat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Directions
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Cook the Orzo:**
In the same skillet, add the uncooked orzo pasta. Toast the orzo over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
3. **Prepare the Sauce:**
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the orzo until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. **Combine and Finish:**
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the orzo and sauce. Add the fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
5. **Serve:**
Garnish the creamy lemon orzo with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
– Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
– In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
– Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
– Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Orzo:
– In the same skillet, add the uncooked orzo pasta.
– Toast the orzo over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Sauce:
– Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
– Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the orzo until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender, approximately 10 minutes.
– Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
– Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine and Finish:
– Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the orzo and sauce.
– Add the fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
– Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve:
– Garnish the creamy lemon orzo with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
– Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Chicken Tips:
– Make sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
Orzo Cooking:
– Stirring the orzo while toasting helps prevent it from burning and sticking to the pan.
Consistency:
– If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Servings:
– This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Variations:
– Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms according to your taste.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the seasoned chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cooking the Orzo
Add uncooked orzo pasta to the same skillet. Toast the orzo over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Preparing the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Combining and Finishing
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the orzo and sauce. Add fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt and are incorporated throughout the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serving
Garnish the creamy lemon orzo with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous, but cooking times may vary.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor; just ensure they are cooked through.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead and reheat it before serving, but fresh spinach may lose its texture when reheated.
Can I make it lighter by using low-fat cream or skipping the cream?
Yes, you can substitute with low-fat cream, or for a lighter version, you could skip the cream and use additional broth, but the sauce will be less creamy.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This creamy lemon orzo with chicken is a delightful dish that combines the richness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with the bright flavors of lemon and fresh spinach. The tender chicken and orzo pasta make it a comforting meal that is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner option or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers both flavor and satisfaction.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herbed Chicken and Orzo
Swap the lemon flavor with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to create a fragrant herbed chicken and orzo dish.
Mediterranean Style Orzo
Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts to the orzo for a Mediterranean twist full of color and flavor.
One-Pan Chicken Alfredo Orzo
Replace the lemon and spinach with an Alfredo sauce made from more heavy cream and cheese for a creamy, rich alternative.
Spicy Chicken and Orzo
Incorporate red pepper flakes or a spicy sauce to the chicken to create a kick of heat, perfectly balancing the creaminess of the dish.
Vegetarian Lemon Orzo
Omit the chicken and substitute with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a vibrant vegetarian option.
