5 from 216 votes
Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta
Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta is a one-pan dish featuring sautéed chicken pieces cooked with orzo pasta, fresh asparagus, spinach, and bright lemon zest and juice. Parmesan cheese adds a savory, creamy finish. The dish balances tender chicken and pasta with fresh vegetable bites and citrus brightness for a wholesome meal.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings:
5
servings
Calories:
320 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces, boneless skinless
- salt
- black pepper
- 1/4 cup onion chopped
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup asparagus fresh, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 to 5 ounces spinach or kale
- lemon zest and juice from one
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese plus more for serving, shredded
Instructions
- Heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot add in the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is thoroughly cooked then remove it from the skillet onto a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet then add in the onion. Sauté for one minute or until the onion starts to soften.
- Add in the orzo and garlic and sauté for about a minute. Pour in the chicken broth, stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for approximately 5 minutes and then add the asparagus. Simmer covered for an additional 5 minutes, then add the spinach. Cook for one minute or until spinach is wilted. Remove the lid and if there is any excess liquid remaining continue to cook uncovered for another minute.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice and Parmesan cheese until everything is combined. Garnish with more Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Store cooked lemon chicken orzo pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through; add extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Freeze portions in airtight or freezer-safe containers removing as much air as possible; freeze for up to 4 months.
- Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
320kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
28g
(9%)
Protein
30g
(60%)
Fat
8.2g
(13%)
Saturated Fat
2.5g
(13%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0g
(0%)
Monounsaturated Fat
0g
(0%)
Trans Fat
0g
(0%)
Cholesterol
64mg
(21%)
Sodium
218mg
(9%)
Potassium
0mg
(0%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
0IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
0mg
(0%)
Calcium
0mg
(0%)
Iron
0mg
(0%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 320
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 320kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 8.2g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g | 13% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 64mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 218mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 0mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 0IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 0mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.