FROM THE CLEAR SYNC KITCHEN / dinner
Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo
One-pan creamy orzo with golden chicken, spinach, and lemon

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The ingredients
Listed major allergens: Milk, Wheat. Check every package and your own requirements. This is not a cross-contact or allergy-safety certification.
Let’s make it
- 01
Pound chicken to an even 0.75-inch thickness. Season with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp pepper.
- 02
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean board.
- 03
In same skillet add remaining 1 tbsp butter and onion and cook 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and orzo and toast 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- 04
Pour in chicken broth, remaining 0.5 tsp salt, and remaining 0.25 tsp pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add the measured water a little at a time if needed to keep the orzo loose while it cooks.
- 05
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and spinach until wilted.
- 06
Slice chicken and return to pan. Sprinkle with parmesan and stir gently until creamy.
- 07
Rest 3 minutes to thicken, then top with parsley and serve.
Finish with the measured parsley and serve while the orzo is creamy.
Make tomorrow easier
Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen, heating to 165F. Sample recipe; not kitchen-tested. Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F). Use refrigerated cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days; freeze later-week portions. Reheat cooked leftovers to 165°F. Food storage guidance.
Toasted orzo turns creamy as it simmers, and lemon plus parmesan give the chicken and spinach a bright, savory sauce.
Meal balance
Chicken and spinach accompany pasta. Plan the orzo portion around your individual carbohydrate needs.
NIDDK · Meal planning and glucose ↗