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This post is all about Greek Lemon Orzo with Chicken and Spinach Recipe.
This Greek Lemon Orzo with Chicken and Spinach is a bright and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach and zesty lemon with orzo pasta. It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week offering a delightful balance of protein and greens.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be prepared in under 30 minutes making it an excellent choice for a quick and nutritious dinner.
Ingredients That Shine
The foundation of Greek Lemon Orzo with Chicken and Spinach lies in its fresh and vibrant ingredients.
Starting with tender chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces, this protein source is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Complementing the chicken, orzo pasta adds a delightful texture, while fresh spinach introduces a burst of color and essential vitamins.
To enhance the dish, garlic, lemon juice, and zest bring a zesty kick, while olive oil ensures everything cooks to perfection.
Finally, crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley serve as the finishing touches, adding creaminess and freshness to each bite.
Preparation Made Simple
Creating this dish is straightforward and can be accomplished in just about 30 minutes.
Begin by cooking the orzo in a pot of boiling salted water until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
While the orzo cooks, sauté the diced chicken in a skillet with olive oil, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and oregano for a flavorful base.
Once the chicken is golden brown, garlic is added for a fragrant aroma, followed by the spinach, which wilts quickly, infusing the dish with its vibrant green color.
Bringing It All Together
After the orzo has been drained, it’s time to combine all the elements.
In the skillet, the cooked orzo is tossed with the sautéed chicken, garlic, and spinach, along with the fresh lemon juice and zest.
This step ensures that every ingredient is coated in the bright, citrusy flavor that defines the dish.
Mixing everything together creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, presentation matters.
Plate the orzo mixture generously, allowing the colorful ingredients to shine.
Top with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy contrast and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
A lemon wedge on the side not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers an extra squeeze of brightness for those who desire it.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with nutritional benefits.
With approximately 350 calories per serving, it provides a balanced meal option that includes protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
The inclusion of spinach adds essential vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for any day of the week.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Greek Lemon Orzo with Chicken and Spinach is versatile enough for casual weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Its bright flavors and inviting presentation make it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both adults and children alike.
Whether served as a main dish or as a side, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Quick and Easy Greek Lemon Orzo with Chicken and Spinach
This dish features succulent chicken cooked with garlic and lemon, tossed with orzo pasta and fresh spinach. The recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and oregano, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, along with the lemon juice and zest. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the orzo mixture and top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
