Description
A delightful creamy dish combining tender chicken, zesty lemon, and comforting orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast (diced)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups spinach (fresh)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Cook the diced chicken breast until golden brown and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and let it sizzle for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Lower the heat and add the orzo pasta, stirring gently, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Add fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the spinach to wilt and cheese to melt.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg