Creamy One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Triumph

Crafting a mouthwatering one pot chicken orzo dish promises culinary magic that simplifies your dinner routine.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this streamlined meal, making weeknight cooking feel like a breeze.

Comfort meets convenience in a single skillet, where tender chicken mingles with delicate pasta.

orzo creamy texture absorbs savory seasonings, creating a harmonious blend of protein and grains.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious creation with loved ones.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will adore this straightforward, satisfying recipe.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly this meal comes together, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Dish Highlights

• Simplify Cooking: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pot wonder that combines protein, grains, and vegetables in one seamless dish.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepare a satisfying meal in less than half an hour, perfect for busy families craving delicious and nutritious dinner options.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or tofu, add different herbs, or include alternative vegetables to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, iron-rich spinach, and complex carbohydrates from orzo, this recipe delivers a balanced meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients for One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Chicken: Tender, cubed meat that provides the main protein source for the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor and creamy texture to the final dish.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the dish.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and deep flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds bright, fresh burst of sweetness and color.
• Spinach: Introduces additional nutrients and a vibrant green element.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish to brighten the final presentation.

• Olive Oil: Creates a flavorful base for cooking and helps prevent sticking.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor for cooking the orzo.
• Orzo: Small pasta that serves as the primary starch in the one-pot meal.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

How to Cook One Pot Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook until each piece turns golden brown and develops a delicious crispy exterior. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

In the same pot, toss in diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and saute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Build The Base

Introduce orzo to the pot, stirring to coat with the flavorful onion and garlic mixture. Pour in chicken broth and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Create The One Pot Magic

• Cherry tomatoes
• Chopped spinach

Cook until the orzo becomes perfectly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, creating a creamy and comforting dish.

Step 5: Finish With Flair

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a luxurious texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve piping hot directly from the pot for a rustic and delightful meal.

Expert Advice for One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Rinse orzo before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping during preparation.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning to personal taste.
• Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and improve overall texture of the meal.
• Swap spinach with kale or arugula for different nutrient profiles and flavor variations, making the recipe versatile for different preferences.

Variations to Try with Chicken Orzo

• Mediterranean Seafood Orzo: Replace chicken with shrimp or mixed seafood, use lemon zest, add kalamata olives, and incorporate feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Protein Orzo: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like cubed tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth, add roasted bell peppers and zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice, keep chicken and other ingredients similar, reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking cauliflower.
• Spicy Southwest Orzo: Add diced jalapeños, replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, include corn kernels, season with cumin and chili powder for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Orzo

• Mediterranean Feast Plate: Create a vibrant platter with the chicken orzo as the centerpiece, surrounded by crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve the orzo in deep, rustic bowls garnished with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Fresh Garden Lunch: Pack the orzo in a portable container with extra fresh herbs, add a side of mixed greens, and enjoy a light, nutritious meal that's ideal for work or picnic lunches.
• Quick Family Skillet: Present the entire dish directly in the cooking pot, allowing everyone to serve themselves family-style, creating a casual and inviting dining experience that encourages sharing and connection.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute orzo with rice, small pasta shapes like stelline, or couscous. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional orzo contains wheat. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo or replace it with quinoa or rice.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• How can I add more protein to this recipe?

You can increase protein by adding more chicken, mixing in cooked beans, stirring in extra cheese, or topping with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds.

Quick One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired one pot chicken orzo delivers a comforting meal packed with herbs and Mediterranean flavors. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, satisfying dish that brings robust ingredients together in minimal cooking time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Pasta and Grains:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) orzo pasta

Fresh Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (30 grams) spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Cheese:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken broth
• 0.5 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, drizzling olive oil across the surface.
2. Introduce seasoned chicken cubes into the hot pan, searing until golden brown and developing rich caramelized edges. Transfer cooked protein to a separate plate.
3. Using the same pot, sauté diced onions until they become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aromatics. Introduce minced garlic and quickly stir to prevent burning.
4. Cascade orzo into the fragrant mixture, stirring to coat grains with residual oils and aromatics.
5. Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing liquid to reach a vigorous boil while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, reintroduce browned chicken pieces, scatter vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fold in fresh spinach leaves.
7. Continue cooking approximately 8-10 minutes, monitoring orzo’s tenderness and liquid absorption, stirring intermittently to ensure even cooking.
8. Sprinkle generous amounts of grated Parmesan cheese, gently folding to integrate and create a creamy texture.
9. Taste and calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
10. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and accommodate heart-healthy diets.
• Choose fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum burst of sweetness and vibrant color in the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 397 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg