Description
Bright and flavorful lemon chicken orzo pasta made with tender chicken, fresh lemon, garlic, herbs, and creamy orzo. This simple one-pan meal combines juicy seasoned chicken with aromatic orzo pasta, sautéed garlic and onions, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese, creating a perfect dish for busy weeknights that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 ½ cups orzo
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Liquids and Flavorings
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 5–7 minutes until it turns golden and is cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aroma without burning.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for about 1 minute to slightly brown the pasta and enhance its flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer to start cooking the orzo.
- Simmer Until Tender: Let the orzo cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed by the orzo.
- Add Greens and Cheese: Stir in the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and cheese is melted into the pasta creating a creamy texture.
- Combine Chicken: Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Serve the lemon chicken orzo warm with extra lemon juice if desired for added brightness.
Notes
- Add extra chicken broth if the orzo becomes too thick during cooking to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the best bright citrus flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula for a different leafy green flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
