Easy lemon chicken with creamy spinach orzo

Easy lemon chicken with creamy spinach orzo

4 servings
Creamy spinach orzo topped with juicy lemon chicken breasts is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner recipe that can be made in less than 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts )

    (boneless and skinless

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves

    thinly sliced

  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp Italian herbs / Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 300 g orzo pasta

    10.5oz

  • 200 g baby spinach

    7oz

  • 2 tsp crushed garlic
  • ½ cup mascarpone
  • ½ cup pasta cooking water)

    (reserved from the orzo

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper
    to taste
  • lemon
    to taste
  • fresh basil

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.

  2. 2

    Reserve 1 cup of cooking water and drain the orzo. Set aside. 

  3. 3

    Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper and set aside.

  4. 4

    Place the chicken on a chopping board and cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap. With a rolling pin or meat mallet, flatten the chicken out slightlyto approximately 1-2 cm (½in) thickness.

  5. 5

    Place the chicken in a bowl or zip top bag and pour over the marinade. Allow to marinade for a few minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge.

  6. 6

    Heat a large pan over medium-high heat then add the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.  

  7. 7

    In the same pan you cooked the chicken in, add the baby spinach and garlic and allow to cook until the spinach has wilted.

  8. 8

    Add the mascarpone and a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water. Stir until a smooth, creamy sauce develops.

  9. 9

    Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.

  10. 10

    Add the cooked orzo and add more of the pasta cooking water if necessary.

  11. 11

    Top with the cooked chicken and fresh basil then serve. 

Easy lemon chicken with creamy spinach orzo

Easy lemon chicken with creamy spinach orzo

4.4(47)30 min4 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Excellent

Based on 47 ratings

simply-delicious-food.com
4.4(47 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that truly delivers on flavor without the fuss? This Easy Lemon Chicken with Creamy Spinach Orzo brings together tender, zesty chicken and rich, comforting pasta, all ready in less than 30 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

The brilliance of this dish lies in its thoughtful balance of simple yet effective techniques. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are quickly infused with bright lemon juice and savory Italian herbs, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. Meanwhile, the orzo pasta transforms into a luxuriously creamy base with the clever addition of mascarpone and reserved pasta cooking water, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta and wilted baby spinach.

What to Expect

Prepare your senses for a symphony of tastes and textures. You'll enjoy succulent, pan-seared chicken with a vibrant, tangy lemon zest that awakens the palate. This is beautifully complemented by a luscious, velvety orzo, where the mascarpone provides a silky richness and the Parmesan cheese adds a delightful salty, umami depth. The fresh spinach wilts gently into the creamy pasta, offering a subtle earthy note and vibrant color. This dish feels both comforting and elegant, proving that simple, accessible ingredients can create a truly satisfying and memorable meal.

Customization & Variations

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are specified, you could easily swap them for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor profile. To make it a vegetarian meal, simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy orzo. If you don't have mascarpone, full-fat cream cheese or even a splash of heavy cream could offer a similar richness, though the texture may vary slightly. Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for garnish instead of basil.

Serving & Context

This flavorful dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal, offering a gourmet feel with minimal effort, yet it's special enough for a relaxed weekend dinner. Serve with a final squeeze of fresh lemon and a generous sprinkle of fresh basil for an inviting presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions