Description
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and bright flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
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 olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the finely diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the butter until melted.
- Add the flour and stir well to coat.
- Mix in the Italian seasoning.
- Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate the uncooked orzo and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender.
- Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving warm.
Notes
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: creamy chicken orzo, lemon chicken pasta, quick dinner recipe