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Lemon Chicken Orzo

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo for Quick Cozy Dinners

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo is a quick and easy comfort food perfect for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken, al dente orzo, and a zesty lemon cream sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Provides flavor and creaminess
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped, adds sweetness when sautéed
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced, enhances overall flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Adds herbal notes
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Main carbohydrate source
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Builds the dish’s savory base
  • 1 medium Lemon Juice Provides acidity and brightness
  • 1 cup Heavy/Whipping Cream Adds richness to the sauce
  • 2 cups Shredded Cooked/Rotisserie Chicken Convenient protein source
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Adds savory depth
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Offers color and nutrition
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the orzo gets a light golden hue.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
  4. Fold in shredded cooked chicken until evenly distributed and warmed through.
  5. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover for 3-5 minutes to wilt spinach.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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