Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh

• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Cook the Orzo

Add orzo to the skillet and stir for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Make It Creamy

Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme.
Return chicken to the skillet and add spinach (if using).
Cook 2–3 minutes until heated through and creamy.