Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo in a skillet with a wooden spoon and a lemon slice on top.

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This one-skillet meal is full of everything you need (and want!) Tender, tiny orzo pasta in a creamy lemon sauce, dotted with plenty of chicken and a good amount of spinach for a meal-in-one. A family favorite!

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Servings: servings

Calories: 410kcal

Ingredients

1½ pounds 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
1½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup parmesan cheese
8 ounces fresh spinach

Garnish (Optional)

lemon zest

Instructions

Cut the chicken into 1 inch cubes. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and once hot, spread the chicken in a single layer in the bottom of the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Note: If the chicken isn't all the way cooked, it is okay because it will continue to cook at the end.
Add the butter and orzo to the skillet. Stir the orzo until it starts to get lightly browned and toasty. Then add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice.
Stir the orzo scraping the bottom to release any bits that may be stuck. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until orzo is tender.
Remove cover and stir in parmesan cheese, chicken bites, and fresh spinach. Continue to cook, stirring regularly until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with lemon zest and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutions:

Chicken broth: You can use vegetable broth instead.

How to Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to Freeze: This Creamy Lemon Orzo recipe freezes well. It is best frozen after cooking. See “Freezer Meal Instructions” section in the original post for full instructions.

How to Reheat: This can be reheated in the microwave in 30 second increments, stir in between heating, or cover with tin foil and place into the oven to reheat.

How to Scale: This recipe can easily be doubled if you are feeding a crowd or halved for smaller portions. Use a very large skillet if you are doubling this recipe!

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