Greek Lemon Orzo with Chicken & Spinach
Greek Lemon Orzo with Chicken & Spinach is a vibrant, zesty dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and orzo pasta in a tangy lemon sauce. This delightful recipe bursts with flavor and is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its appealing presentation and comforting taste, it’s bound to impress family and friends alike!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown on both sides (about 6-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the orzo to lightly toast for added flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice; stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid.
- After about 10 minutes, fold in the spinach until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with extra lemon wedges for garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For a quicker meal prep, cook the chicken ahead of time and store separately. - Substitute chicken with shrimp or chickpeas for a different protein option. - Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.