Easy lemon chicken with creamy spinach orzo

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.

Step 2

Reserve 1 cup of cooking water and drain the orzo. Set aside.

Step 3

Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper and set aside.

Step 4

Place the chicken on a chopping board and cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap. With a rolling pin or meat mallet, flatten the chicken out slightlyto approximately 1-2 cm (½in) thickness.

Step 5

Place the chicken in a bowl or zip top bag and pour over the marinade. Allow to marinade for a few minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge.

Step 6

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat then add the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 7

In the same pan you cooked the chicken in, add the baby spinach and garlic and allow to cook until the spinach has wilted.

Step 8

Add the mascarpone and a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water. Stir until a smooth, creamy sauce develops.

Step 9

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Step 10

Add the cooked orzo and add more of the pasta cooking water if necessary.

Step 11

Top with the cooked chicken and fresh basil then serve.