Lemon Chicken Orzo

Lemon Chicken Orzo

4 servings
This lemon chicken orzo recipe is creamy, comforting, and made in one pot for fewer dishes! It comes together in just 30 minutes for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • butter
    2 tbsp
  • onion (chopped
    ½ medium
  • garlic (minced
    3 cloves
  • italian seasoning
    ¼ tsp
  • uncooked orzo pasta
    1 c
  • chicken broth
    2 c
  • lemon juice
    2 tbsp
  • heavy/whipping cream
    1 c
  • cooked shredded/rotisserie chicken
    2 c
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese
    ½ c
  • packed) fresh baby spinach
    2 c
  • salt & pepper (to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Add the oil, butter, and onion to a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often (this infuses the orzo with more flavor and toasts it a little).

  3. 3

    Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and cream. Once it starts to bubble, continue cooking for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often. You will probably need to turn the heat down a bit (to medium or even medium-low). It should gently bubble vs. furiously boil, and you don't want the liquid to reduce too much before the pasta has cooked. See notes below and blog post for troubleshooting tips.

  4. 4

    Stir in the chicken.

  5. 5

    Take the pot off the heat, stir in the parmesan and spinach, and cover the pot for 3-5 minutes or until it has thickened up to your liking. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.

Lemon Chicken Orzo

Lemon Chicken Orzo

4.9(260)30 min4 servings616 cal

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Based on 260 ratings

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4.9(260 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together without a mountain of dishes? This Lemon Chicken Orzo recipe delivers creamy comfort in a single pot, making weeknight dinners effortless and delicious. The magic of this one-pot lemon chicken orzo lies in its simplicity and smart ingredient choices. By building flavors directly in the pot and incorporating pre-cooked chicken, you get a deeply satisfying, creamy chicken orzo dish ready in just 30 minutes. It's the ultimate answer to rich, home-cooked taste with minimal cleanup. Get ready for a bowl of pure, bright comfort. Each spoonful offers tender orzo pasta bathed in a luscious, savory sauce, perfectly balanced by the zesty tang of fresh lemon juice. You'll find generous pieces of tender shredded chicken throughout, complemented by wilted baby spinach for a touch of freshness. The freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, creating an irresistible richness that makes this dish feel indulgent yet entirely approachable. It’s a wonderfully creamy, hearty meal that will warm you from the inside out, making it a perfect antidote to a busy day. While this lemon chicken orzo is fantastic as is, feel free to make it your own. For an extra bright flavor, stir in some lemon zest along with the juice. If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be a welcome addition. To boost the vegetable content, consider adding frozen peas or diced bell peppers along with the spinach. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas during the last few minutes of cooking for a hearty plant-based meal. This versatile dish is ideal for a comforting weeknight family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Serve it simply on its own, or alongside a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious, creamy sauce.

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