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Weeknight • Chicken

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Orzo

Tender chicken and wilted spinach in a rich, creamy sauce with tiny orzo pasta — a comforting one-pan meal.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Orzo

Ready for a hug in a bowl? This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Orzo is exactly that! It's an incredibly satisfying, comforting, and surprisingly easy one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and small, pasta-like orzo in a silky, delicious sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight when you want something flavorful without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add the finely chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if using.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes, toasting it lightly. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally.

  4. Step 4

    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook, stirring, until the spinach has wilted and the sauce is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan.

Tips

  • A splash of white wine (about 1/4 cup) can be added before the broth for extra depth of flavor.
  • If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more broth or a splash of water to loosen it up.
  • Leftovers are great! Reheat gently on the stovetop with an extra splash of broth or water.

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