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Test Kitchen Approved

Spring Chicken Orzo

Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

About

The full beauty of the spring in a singular supper! Spring Chicken Orzo is creamy, savory, and tantalizing, filled with juicy bites of chicken, herbaceous flavors, and tangy artichokes. With a little parmesan cheese (can anyone resist parmesan cheese?), Spring Chicken Orzo puts you in the warm weather mood! Flavors are blossoming here!

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 (12-ounces) jar marinated quartered artichokes, drained
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest

Directions

Step 1 -In a large skillet, add the chicken cubes, the olive oil, and 2 teaspoons of the Italian seasoning and toss to combine.

Step 2 -Season the chicken mixture with the salt and the black pepper.

Step 3 -Place the skillet over medium-high heat and cook, while stirring, until the chicken pieces are mostly cooked, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4 -Add the shallots, the garlic, and the butter to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.

Step 5 -Add the orzo, the thyme, and the remaining Italian seasoning to the chicken mixture and cook, while stirring, until the orzo is lightly golden, about 2 minutes.

Step 6 -Add the water to the chicken mixture and bring it to a boil.

Step 7 -Cook the chicken mixture for 5 minutes.

Step 8 -Add the heavy cream and the Dijon mustard to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.

Step 9 -Add the spinach, the artichokes, the parmesan, and the lemon zest to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.

Step 10 -Cook until the spinach is wilted, the orzo is al dente, and the chicken pieces reach an internal temperature with 165 degrees F, about 8 minutes.

Step 11 -Serve.

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