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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make this dish, start with one cup of orzo pasta. You will need two diced chicken breasts. Use two tablespoons of olive oil to cook the chicken. For flavor, you need four cloves of minced garlic. Add one cup of chicken broth for moisture. For creaminess, use one cup of heavy cream. One cup of chopped spinach adds color and taste. Add zest and juice from one lemon for brightness. Finally, mix in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Use fresh parsley as a garnish before serving. You can swap orzo pasta with another small pasta like ditalini or couscous. If you prefer, use turkey or tofu instead of chicken. For a lighter option, switch heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream. You can replace spinach with kale or arugula for a new twist. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, try pecorino or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Cook the orzo according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the orzo and set it aside. It’s great to keep it separate so it doesn’t stick together. In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Once ready, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. This step adds flavor to your dish. Next, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until you smell its lovely aroma. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon to the mix. Let this cook for 2-3 minutes. Now, add the cooked orzo, chicken, and 1 cup of chopped spinach to the pot. Mix everything well until the spinach wilts and the sauce coats the pasta. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes until heated through. Enjoy your creamy lemon garlic orzo with chicken! To enhance the taste, always use fresh garlic. It gives a bright kick. Zest the lemon before juicing it. The zest adds a lovely aroma. Feel free to add more lemon juice if you like it tangy. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper. This simple step makes a big difference. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor. The secret to creaminess lies in the heavy cream and cheese. Use full-fat heavy cream for the best texture. Stir the cream slowly into the pot to mix well. Add the Parmesan cheese at the end. It melts perfectly, creating a rich sauce. If you want it even creamier, add a little more cream. To save time, prep your ingredients before you start cooking. Chop the chicken and garlic in advance. Use pre-cooked chicken to cut down on cooking time. You can also cook the orzo while prepping the sauce. This way, everything comes together quickly. If you're in a real hurry, consider using frozen spinach. It cooks fast and is still tasty. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish meat-free. Swap the chicken for chickpeas. They add protein and texture. You can also use mushrooms for a rich flavor. Sauté them with garlic for extra taste. The creamy sauce still shines with these swaps. Feel free to add fresh, seasonal veggies. Asparagus and peas work great in spring. In summer, try zucchini or bell peppers. Just toss them in with the spinach. This keeps the dish colorful and healthy. Want a kick? Add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also stir in diced jalapeños. They add heat and fun to the dish. Enjoy the zesty twist while keeping the creamy goodness. To keep your creamy lemon garlic orzo with chicken fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for storage. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Store it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently. Place the orzo in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help it warm up. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze the orzo, do it within two days of cooking. Portion it into smaller containers for easy meals later. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container. This allows for expansion as it freezes. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use different pasta. Penne or fusilli work well. Just adjust the cooking time. Follow the package directions for timing. Remember, orzo has a unique shape and texture. It holds sauce nicely, so other shapes may change the dish's feel. But don't worry! You will still enjoy great flavors. You can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt. Cream cheese is another good choice, but mix it with milk for smoothness. Each choice may slightly change the dish’s creaminess. Experiment to find what you love best! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer great options. Check the package for cooking times, as they may differ. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. This way, you can enjoy creamy lemon garlic orzo without worry! This blog post shared easy steps to make a tasty dish using orzo and chicken. We covered ingredients, how to cook them, and fun variations. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have. Remember, you can store leftovers safely and enjoy them later. With these tips, you’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills. Try making this dish and adapt it to your taste! Happy cooking!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Chicken

Discover the deliciousness of Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Chicken! This easy recipe features tender orzo pasta cooked in a luscious creamy sauce with chicken, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this dish is ready in just 25 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this flavorful and comforting dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 chicken breasts, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup spinach, chopped

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

      In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.

          Add the cooked orzo, chicken, and chopped spinach into the pot. Mix well until the spinach is wilted and everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

            Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through.

              Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4