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To make Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo, you will need these ingredients: - 2 cups orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup spinach leaves (fresh or frozen) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you want to change things up, here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat orzo for added fiber. - Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein. - Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for extra flavor. - Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. To make this dish well, you'll need a few tools: - A large pot for cooking the orzo. - A large skillet for sautéing the chicken and mixing everything. - A cutting board and knife for dicing chicken. - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring. These tools and ingredients come together to create a tasty meal. Making Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo is easy and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 2 cups of orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want the orzo to be al dente, meaning it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside. This pasta will soak up the yummy flavors later. Next, take a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breasts. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. Stir it often until it gets a nice brown color and is cooked through. This step gives your dish a great texture and taste. Now it's time to make the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to combine everything. Bring it to a gentle simmer. This will help the chicken soak in all the flavors. Once simmering, add the zest and juice of 1 lemon. This will brighten the dish and add a fresh taste. Mix it all together well so that each bite is full of flavor. To boost the taste of your Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo, consider these ideas: - Citrus Zest: Use extra lemon zest for a brighter flavor. - Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for depth. - Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. - Cheese Variety: Mix Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a tangy twist. Experiment with these options to find your favorite blend. Avoid these common errors to ensure the best dish: - Overcooking Orzo: Cook orzo until just al dente. It will soften more in the skillet. - Ignoring Seasoning: Taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper before serving. - Skipping Lemon Juice: Don't skip the lemon juice; it brightens the entire dish. - Not Stirring: Stir well to combine all ingredients. This helps distribute flavors. These tips will help you create a more balanced meal. You can easily adjust this recipe for various diets: - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice. - Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. - Lean Protein: Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a lighter option. These adjustments make the dish suitable for everyone at your table. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and freshly grated Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavors and texture of your dish. Avoid pre-grated cheese if possible, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Don't Overcook the Orzo: Make sure to cook the orzo al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. This will prevent it from becoming mushy. Adjust Lemon for Your Taste: The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with less and add more to suit your taste, as it can be quite potent. Make It a One-Pan Meal: To simplify cleanup, consider cooking the orzo directly in the skillet with the chicken and broth. Just add additional water or broth as needed to cook the orzo through. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo. Instead of chicken, use diced mushrooms or zucchini. These veggies add great texture and flavor. You can also add extra protein with chickpeas or tofu. Just sauté them in olive oil until golden. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You’ll still enjoy that creamy, zesty sauce with your orzo. There are many tasty add-ins to enhance this dish. Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add a burst of freshness. You can also mix in artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for extra flavor. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Each of these options brings a new layer of taste to your meal. Make this dish shine with seasonal ingredients. In spring, use fresh asparagus or peas for a pop of color. In summer, fresh tomatoes and bell peppers can brighten the dish. In the fall, roasted butternut squash adds sweetness and depth. In winter, hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard work well. These seasonal modifications keep the dish fresh and exciting no matter the time of year! After you enjoy your Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo, store the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Allow the dish to cool down before sealing it. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your leftovers, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place the orzo in a bowl. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring often, until warm. In a skillet, heat over medium heat. Stir gently and add a bit of broth if needed. This helps keep the dish creamy. To freeze Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. It will stay good for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, follow the reheating instructions to enjoy! The best chicken for this dish is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy. You can also use thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Couscous, farro, or small shells work well too. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You can use coconut cream or cashew cream as a dairy-free option. Both give a creamy texture without dairy. Just keep in mind that coconut cream may add a slight coconut taste. In this post, I shared how to make delicious Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips to boost flavor. I also shared ways to modify the recipe for different diets. Proper storage techniques ensure your leftovers stay tasty. Cooking can be fun and easy. With these steps, you can create a dish your family loves. Enjoy experimenting and make it your own!

Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo

A creamy and flavorful dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken, and a zesty lemon sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup spinach leaves (fresh or frozen)
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring well to infuse the flavors into the sauce.
  • Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, mixing well to combine. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Gently fold in the spinach until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen).
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh parsley.
Keyword chicken, lemon, orzo, Parmesan, pasta