There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy, citrusy dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor. This Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner, combining tender chicken, zesty lemon, and the delightful chew of orzo pasta. With fresh spinach folded in for color and nutrition, this dish is not only satisfying but also brings a bright note to your dinner table.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for a cozy night in with friends, this recipe is sure to become a staple. Plus, it’s easy to whip up and requires minimal cleanup—perfect for busy evenings!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
This Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken is so much more than just another pasta dish. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
– **Quick and Easy**: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– **One-Pan Wonder**: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax.
– **Flavor Explosion**: The combination of creamy sauce, fresh lemon, and tender chicken is a burst of flavor in every bite.
– **Versatile**: You can easily swap in different proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand.
– **Comfort Food**: It’s creamy, cheesy, and everything you crave in a comforting meal.
What to Buy
To make your Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken, here’s a detailed shopping list:
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 16 ounces orzo
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
- Zest of 1 lemon
Appliances & Accessories
Before diving into cooking, here are a few kitchen essentials you’ll need:
- Large skillet or sauté pan: For cooking everything in one pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To get your ingredient amounts just right.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pan.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for preparing your chicken and veggies.
Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken Made Stepwise
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your 1 pound of chicken breast with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breast, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add 16 ounces of orzo and stir for 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly toasted.
Step 4: Add Broth
Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese into the orzo. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 6: Incorporate Spinach
Add 8 ounces of fresh spinach to the pan, stirring until wilted and bright green.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Slice the chicken, then return it to the skillet, mixing everything together. Garnish with lemon zest for a refreshing finish. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken!
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or what you have in the pantry:
- Chicken: Swap chicken breast for thighs or a different protein like shrimp or tofu.
- Spinach: Use kale or Swiss chard for a different green option.
- Heavy Cream: Replace with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast can be a great vegan substitute.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
When making your Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t rush the chicken cooking process; it should be golden and cooked through for the best flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice is key for brightness—avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
- Feel free to add additional herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
- If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the chicken.
How to Store & Reheat
If you have leftovers (if you’re lucky!), here’s how to store and reheat your Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- This dish can also be frozen! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the orzo and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to add the spinach and chicken just before serving for optimal freshness. Reheat gently on the stove.
Can I use whole wheat orzo instead of regular orzo?
Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo will work just fine, and it adds a bit more fiber to the dish.
What can I serve with this dish?
This Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
If you love one-pan meals, you’ll want to check out these delicious recipes:
Save & Share
Enjoyed this recipe? Be sure to save it for later and share it with friends who love a good, comforting meal. The Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken is a dish you’ll want to pass around!
Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises satisfaction and smiles all around. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning your chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, add the orzo, and stir for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the spinach and stir until wilted and bright green.
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Mix everything together and garnish with lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Don't rush the chicken cooking process; ensure it's golden and fully cooked for the best flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for brightness—avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
- Add additional herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
- If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the chicken.
