Description
Greek-inspired lemon chicken orzo blends zesty citrus with tender chicken and hearty pasta. Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate, creating a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked shredded/rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 2 tbsps lemon juice
- 2 tbsps butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Base: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a fragrant foundation for the dish.
- Aromatics Transformation: Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Pasta Preparation: Introduce orzo and Italian seasoning to the skillet, toasting briefly to enhance herb aromatics and coat pasta with rich flavors.
- Liquid Integration: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer that promises a creamy, harmonious texture.
- Cooking Fusion: Simmer the orzo, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavorful liquid until tender and creamy.
- Protein Incorporation: Fold in shredded chicken, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, gently mixing to distribute ingredients evenly and create a cohesive, luxurious dish.
- Finishing Touch: Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste, letting the meal rest briefly to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken naturally.
Notes
- Prevent Orzo Sticking: Stir frequently during cooking to avoid pasta clumping and ensure even heat distribution for perfectly cooked grains.
- Optimize Lemon Flavor: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for bright, vibrant citrus notes that elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Manage Cream Consistency: Add cream gradually and simmer gently to maintain smooth sauce texture without separating or becoming grainy.
- Control Protein Tenderness: Use pre-cooked, shredded chicken to guarantee consistent moisture and prevent overcooking, ensuring meat remains juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg