Save to Pinterest This one-pan creamy chicken orzo is my go-to on hectic weeknights when I want maximum comfort with minimum cleanup The tender chicken and the silky orzo all soak up a creamy herby sauce that practically hugs you with each bite and the best part is everything happens in just one skillet so dinner comes together fast with hardly any dishes
I first made this when I had just half an hour before the kids finished homework and it instantly became a comfort tradition in our house Everyone from teens to grown ups goes back for seconds
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut in bite-size pieces for tenderness and quick cooking Choose chicken that is firm and pink for best results
- Kosher salt: ensures even seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper: for a little warmth and brightness
- Olive oil: adds richness and helps brown the chicken Use good quality extra virgin for best flavor
- Yellow onion: delivers subtle sweetness and savory depth Look for firm onions with papery skin
- Garlic: brings punchy flavor Fresh garlic cloves are best for potency
- Red bell pepper: provides color and mild sweetness Pick peppers that are glossy and firm
- Baby spinach: wilts into the sauce making the dish more nutritious Go for crisp leaves without dark spots
- Orzo pasta: simulates creamy risotto with much less work Choose imported orzo if you can for flavor and texture
- Low sodium chicken broth: prevents the dish from getting too salty Go for broth with minimal additives
- Heavy cream: creates the signature velvety sauce You can use organic cream for pure richness
- Grated Parmesan cheese: layers in nuttiness and depth Use real Parmesan not the pre-shredded for best melt
- Dried Italian herbs: provide herby foundation A homemade blend of oregano basil thyme is great here
- Crushed red pepper flakes: add gentle heat only if you want
- Fresh parsley: for garnish to brighten each bite
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Mix chicken pieces with salt and pepper until evenly coated This ensures every bite is savory all the way through
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium high warmth Add chicken in a single layer Let it sear untouched for about three minutes before turning Let it go until golden outside and almost cooked inside about four to five minutes then transfer to a plate
- Sauté Aromatics and Veggies:
- In the same skillet add chopped onion and diced bell pepper Cook for three to four minutes stirring occasionally to draw out their sweetness Add garlic and stir constantly for one minute until everything smells incredible
- Toast the Orzo and Herbs:
- Pour the orzo and Italian herbs right into the skillet Let them toast for one full minute You want the grains to glisten and the fragrance to bloom as this step intensifies flavor
- Simmer with Broth:
- Pour the chicken broth slowly into the pan Stir up any golden bits from the bottom Bring it to a gentle simmer then reduce heat to medium Cover and let it cook for eight minutes Stir once or twice as it cooks to prevent sticking
- Return Chicken with Cream:
- Add the golden chicken back to the skillet Pour in the heavy cream Mix thoroughly Uncover and cook for about five to seven minutes more The orzo will absorb liquid and turn creamy while the chicken finishes cooking through
- Finish with Spinach and Parmesan:
- Toss in fresh baby spinach and sprinkle over grated Parmesan Stir just until spinach wilts and cheese becomes silky about one to two minutes
- Taste and Adjust:
- Sample the orzo If it needs more salt or spice toss in extra pepper or red pepper flakes
- Garnish and Serve:
- Chop fresh parsley and scatter over the top Serve the dish piping hot straight from the skillet
Save to Pinterest The best part about this dish for me is always the Parmesan cheese A little freshly grated right before serving makes all the difference I remember everyone fighting over the last sprinkle during a family movie night
Storage Tips
Once cooled store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The creamy sauce stays luscious and the flavors keep melding To reheat add a splash of broth before microwaving or warming on the stovetop so the orzo returns to its silky texture
Ingredient Substitutions
No chicken breasts Try boneless thighs They are even more forgiving and add a bit of extra richness If you prefer greens with a stronger flavor swap in kale or arugula roughly chopped these wilt down just as easily For a lighter dish use half and half instead of heavy cream or mix in a touch of Greek yogurt for tang
Serving Suggestions
Serve this straight from the skillet with crusty bread to mop up the sauce A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and light It pairs especially well with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or any bright white
Cultural or Historical Context
This dish borrows from both classic Italian risotto and American creamy skillet suppers It delivers the comfort of home with a restaurant feel in under an hour The use of orzo makes it approachable for kids and adults alike
Seasonal Adaptations
Spring Substitute asparagus tips and peas for a fresh green punch Summer Toss in diced zucchini or cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness Autumn Swap red pepper for roasted butternut squash or mushrooms for earthy depth
Save to Pinterest Clean plates all around This creamy one-pan chicken orzo is always a crowd pleaser and makes busy weeknights deliciously easy
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the cream for something lighter?
Yes, half-and-half or even evaporated milk can be used for a lighter texture while maintaining creaminess.
- → Do I cook the orzo before adding?
No, add dry orzo directly to the skillet to cook alongside the other ingredients and absorb flavor.
- → What vegetables can I swap in?
Kale, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms can replace spinach or be added for extra texture.
- → Does this dish reheat well?
It reheats nicely; add a splash of broth or cream when warming to keep it moist and creamy.
- → What kind of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred, but thighs also provide excellent flavor and tenderness.
- → Which wine pairs best?
A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the creamy texture and herbal notes of the dish.