One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo (Print Version)

Indulgent chicken, orzo, and creamy sauce unite in a cozy, family-friendly, one-pan skillet meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Aromatics & Vegetables

05 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
08 - 3 cups baby spinach (about 3.5 oz)

→ Orzo & Liquids

09 - 1 cup orzo pasta
10 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Herbs & Seasoning

13 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Evenly sprinkle the chicken pieces with kosher salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet set over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté until lightly browned on all sides, approximately 4–5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until aromatic.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta and dried Italian herbs, toasting for 1 minute while mixing to coat.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
06 - Reduce heat to medium, cover skillet, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
07 - Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet along with heavy cream. Stir to combine and cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes until the orzo has a creamy texture, is al dente, and the chicken is fully cooked.
08 - Incorporate baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the spinach wilts and the cheese is melted, approximately 1–2 minutes.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes as desired.
10 - Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and serve the dish hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour which is perfect for busy evenings
  • Everything cooks in a single pan which means less cleanup
  • Creamy rich texture but still packed with veggies for balance
  • Customizable with different greens or proteins to fit what you have
  • Family friendly dish that even picky eaters love
02 -
  • Packed with protein and veggies so it is a full meal in itself
  • Reheats beautifully for lunch leftovers
  • You can swap in other greens or flavor boosters for endless variety
03 -
  • Choose quality cheese for best melt and flavor
  • Always toast your orzo to bring out the nutty undertones
  • Taste before serving for salt and spice level perfection
  • Use a wide skillet for even cooking and best caramelization on the chicken
  • Stir the orzo a couple times as it simmers so it remains creamy but not sticky
  • Do not skip freshly grated cheese and fresh herbs at the end as they lift every bite

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