Chicken Orzo: The Creamy One-Pot Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes
Chicken Orzo is a creamy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken pieces, pearl-like orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese all cooked together in a luscious sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, One-Pot Meal
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1½ lbs boneless chicken (cubed), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil
- Orzo: 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1½ cups orzo pasta, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream
- Finish: ½ cup parmesan, oregano, spinach, lemon juice
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, peas, mushrooms, fresh basil
Instructions
- Season cubed chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Sear chicken in 1 tbsp olive oil until golden; transfer to plate
- Add remaining oil and sauté garlic 30-60 seconds
- Toast orzo in pan 1-2 minutes until lightly golden
- Add broth, cream, and oregano; bring to boil
- Reduce to simmer; cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Return chicken to pan; add spinach and parmesan
- Stir until spinach wilts and cheese melts
- Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice
- Rest 2-3 minutes; serve hot with extra parmesan
Notes
- Stir orzo every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking
- Don’t overcook chicken in initial sear—it finishes cooking in orzo
- Add liquid if too thick; simmer longer if too thin
- Fresh parmesan melts better than pre-grated
- Leftovers thicken; add broth when reheating
- Can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
- Add vegetables like peas or tomatoes for extra nutrition
Find it online: https://recipya.com/chicken-orzo-one-pot-easy-recipe-30-min/