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Creamy One Pot Chicken Orzo

This easy chicken orzo recipe is creamy, comforting, and made in one pot. Tender chicken, soft orzo pasta, spinach, and parmesan come together in a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup spinach chopped
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil and cook chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, cook onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  3. Add orzo and toast for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until orzo is tender and creamy.
  5. Add chicken back in along with cream, spinach, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice.
  6. Stir well and simmer until creamy and fully combined. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

Notes

  • Stir the orzo often while simmering so it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
  • If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of warm chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
  • Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly and gives the best creamy texture.
  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast for a richer flavor.
  • The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as the dish rests.