Busy Night Dinner Recipe: One-Pan

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken cubes. Toss them in a bowl with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
2. Heat the olive oil. Place your skillet over medium high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer; sear without moving for 3 minutes until a golden brown crust forms, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
3. Melt the butter. Lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it bubbles, stir in the minced garlic for 30 seconds until it smells fragrant but isn't brown.
4. Toast the orzo. Pour in the dry orzo and stir constantly for 2 minutes until the edges look translucent and smell nutty.
5. Simmer the pasta. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Create the sauce. Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach.
7. Combine everything. Fold in the seared chicken and any juices from the plate. Stir for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes glossy.
8. Add the finish. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. This is the final touch that makes the Busy Night Dinner Recipe pop.