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One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Orzo

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Not vegetarian; contains gluten and dairy

Description

This Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Orzo Delight is a cozy, weeknight-friendly dish that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Tender bites of chicken, silky orzo, and fresh spinach simmer together in the same pot, then get finished with rich cream and Parmesan. It’s comforting, hearty, and elegant enough to serve to guests without the mountain of dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, stirring often so it doesn’t burn.
  4. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and mostly cooked through.
  5. Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it in the pan juices, then pour in the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  7. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the spinach is wilted, the cheese is melted, and the orzo is creamy. If it seems too thick, add a splash of extra broth or cream.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can better control the salt level, especially since Parmesan adds saltiness too.
  • If the orzo absorbs liquid faster than expected and the pot looks dry, add 1/4–1/2 cup more broth as needed while it simmers.
  • The dish will continue to thicken as it cools; loosen leftovers with a splash of broth, milk, or cream when reheating.
  • For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the creamy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 450 kcal (estimated)
  • Sugar: 3 g (estimated)
  • Sodium: 780 mg (estimated)
  • Fat: 20 g (estimated)
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g (estimated)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g (estimated)
  • Trans Fat: 0 g (estimated)
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g (estimated)
  • Fiber: 2 g (estimated)
  • Protein: 30 g (estimated)
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg (estimated)

Keywords: one-pot chicken orzo, creamy chicken and spinach orzo, skillet dinner, easy weeknight meal, 30-minute recipe

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/one-pot-chicken-and-spinach-orzo/