Description
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta features tender chicken mixed with orzo, fresh spinach, and a creamy lemon sauce. It’s a quick, healthy meal, perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken tenders (or 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise to form 4 pieces)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic (or 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ teaspoons italian seasoning
- Zest and juice from one lemon
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook in the skillet for 4-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3-4 minutes. Cut into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Scrape the bottom of the skillet to remove browned bits. Melt butter over medium heat, add onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in orzo and coat it with the butter mixture.
- Add chicken broth and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and juice. Remove from heat, mix in parmesan cheese and spinach, and return the chicken to the skillet. Serve immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and seasonings before cooking.
Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale for a different texture.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 120mg