Print

Creamy One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo with Spinach

A bowl of creamy lemon chicken orzo mixed with wilted spinach, topped with grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this creamy one-pot lemon chicken orzo for a quick, flavorful dinner. This simple recipe uses tender chicken and orzo pasta cooked together with fresh lemon and spinach for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Add onion to the same skillet and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is nearly tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  7. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is heated through.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.
  9. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a brighter flavor, add extra lemon zest just before serving.
  • If you prefer chicken thighs, use boneless, skinless thighs cut into pieces.
  • This recipe is a great base; add asparagus or zucchini when you add the broth for extra vegetables.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-recipe/