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Creamy Chicken Orzo

Creamy Chicken Orzo

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  2. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the dry orzo to the pan and stir constantly for 2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta. This adds a wonderful nutty depth to the final dish.
  3. Step 3: Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes thick and velvety. Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until it wilts into the pasta. This should only take about 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Final Toss and Plating: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is heated through and well-coated in the sauce. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Find it online: https://www.smilefood.net/creamy-chicken-orzo/