Description
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, bright lemon flavors, and creamy orzo pasta for a comforting meal that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
- 1 large chicken breast or tenders, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2–1/4 cups whole milk
- 1–1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach
- 2 large lemons (1 tablespoon zest and 1/4 cup juice)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the finely diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the butter until melted, then sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Add the Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and whole milk, stirring to bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the uncooked orzo and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Serve warm.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg