Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This creamy orzo with chicken is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces and sun-dried tomatoes blend beautifully with creamy orzo and fresh spinach for a hearty dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ to ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
3. Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking together for 1 minute to release their flavors.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and add the orzo, stirring to ensure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until the orzo is tender, about 7–10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts completely.
7. Step 7: Season the orzo with salt, pepper, the remaining garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
8. Step 8: Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy orzo with chicken!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
• Swap baby spinach for kale or arugula for different greens.
• Use grilled or roasted chicken leftovers for a quicker version.
• For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the creamy sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like small shells or ditalini work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the entire dish, then refrigerate it. Reheat gently before serving and add a bit of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Orzo with Chicken is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender diced chicken breast sautéed with aromatic onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Combined with orzo cooked in savory chicken broth, then enriched with heavy cream, fresh baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers a creamy, satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 Pound Chicken Breast, diced into 1 inch pieces
• 2 Tbs Olive Oil (divided)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 Tbs Garlic Powder (divided: 1 Tbs for chicken, 1 Tbs for final seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 Tbs Italian Seasoning

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 Small Onion, diced
• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• ¼–½ Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2 Cups Baby Spinach

Pantry Staples

• 1 Cup Orzo
• 2 Cups Chicken Broth
• ¾ Cup Heavy Cream
• ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the diced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.
2. Sauté Onions: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet with the onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
4. Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté together for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
5. Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and add the orzo to the skillet. Stir to ensure the orzo is fully submerged in the broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for 7-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Incorporate Cream and Spinach: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach is fully wilted and the mixture becomes creamy.
7. Season and Finish: Season the orzo mixture with additional salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to taste. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
8. Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the creamy orzo with chicken warm and enjoy your delicious meal.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of sun-dried tomatoes according to your flavor preference.
• If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Be careful not to overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness; keep an eye during simmering.
• For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream alternative and omit Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Stovetop
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Creamy orzo, chicken recipe, one-pan meal, creamy pasta, easy dinner, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese