Description
Lemon Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal that combines tender shredded chicken, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a bright burst of lemon flavor. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner, featuring a luscious sauce made with butter, olive oil, and heavy cream, balanced by Parmesan cheese and aromatic Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded cooked or rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, to toast the orzo and infuse it with the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Incorporate Chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken into the pot to warm through.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cover the pot and let it rest for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Serves 4-6 depending on serving size.
- Use heavy cream to prevent curdling; lower-fat substitutes might separate due to heat and citrus.
- If the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly before cooking through, reduce heat and/or add a splash more broth or cream.
- If there is excess liquid after cooking, cover the pot longer to allow the orzo to absorb it.
- This recipe is designed for orzo pasta; substituting rice will require adjustments to liquid and cooking time.
