Name: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound chicken tenders (or 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise to form 4 pieces); 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 teaspoons minced garlic (or 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped); 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1½ teaspoons italian seasoning; Zest and juice from one lemon; ¾ cup heavy whipping cream; ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese; 3 cups fresh baby spinach

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken tenders (or 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise to form 4 pieces)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 teaspoons minced garlic (or 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped)
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1½ teaspoons italian seasoning
Zest and juice from one lemon
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
3 cups fresh baby spinach

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Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Place chicken in the skillet, season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cook for 4-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
Remove chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 3-4 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen the browned bits, then add butter and melt over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in orzo and toss to coat in the butter mixture.
Add chicken broth and Italian seasoning, stir, then bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Mix in parmesan cheese and fresh spinach, then return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different twist.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated easily.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.