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Lemon Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe

Lemon Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe

Enjoy this delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe that's packed with flavor and nutrition.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Meat tenderizer
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 2 medium chicken breasts pounded to ½ inch thickness
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Orzo Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream plus more to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach packed
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced

Lemon and Garnish

  • 1 medium lemon zested and juiced, plus more to taste
  • Lemon slices for garnish
  • Chopped Italian parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Season chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until softened. Add garlic and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 minutes.
  • Once orzo is tender, stir in heavy cream, spinach, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice to taste. Mix until creamy and spinach is wilted.
  • Arrange sliced chicken over the creamy orzo. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking to retain juices and ensure tenderness. Adjust the amount of heavy cream and lemon juice to taste for creaminess and brightness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Chicken Recipe, comfort food, Lemon Chicken Orzo, Orzo Recipe, Parmesan Recipe, Spinach Recipe
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