Lemon Chicken Orzo

Lemon Chicken Orzo

from saltandlavender.com
Side Dish
30 min
4 servings
616 kcal / serving

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

  • 1 tablespoonolive oil
  • 2 tablespoonsbutter
  • ½ mediumonion (chopped)
  • 3 clovesgarlic (minced)
  • ¼ teaspoonitalian seasoning
  • 1 cupuncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cupschicken broth
  • 2 tablespoonslemon juice
  • 1 cupheavy/whipping cream
  • 2 cupsshredded cooked/rotisserie chicken
  • ½ cupfreshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups(packed) fresh baby spinach
  • 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.