If you are searching for an easy, delicious meal that brings comfort and vibrant flavors to your table, this One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, it combines wholesome ingredients with minimal fuss. Whether you are cooking for busy weeknights or craving a hearty dinner, you will love how everything comes together beautifully in just one pot, saving you time and cleanup. This recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate that anyone will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this dish both flavorful and satisfying. Each element plays an essential role—fresh chicken delivers protein and richness, orzo provides a tender, pasta-like texture, and the Italian seasoning along with Parmesan cheese infuses the dish with aromatic and creamy notes that elevate the whole experience.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): A punch of fragrant warmth that enhances every bite.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: The star carb, swelling with flavor as it cooks in the broth.
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses every morsel with savory goodness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates that luscious, creamy consistency that feels indulgent.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings saltiness and a nutty depth that ties the dish together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional): For a pop of color and a fresh, slightly earthy note.
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for serving: Brighten every bite with fresh citrus and herbal brightness.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for that classic Mediterranean flavor. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes until it is nicely browned and nearly cooked through. This step locks in the juices and builds a savory base flavor. Set the chicken aside to keep warm and focus on the next part.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same pan with those delicious browned bits, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s softened and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. These aromatics are what make the dish truly comforting and inviting from the very first stir.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the uncooked orzo pasta directly into the pan and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often. Toasting the pasta slightly before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and helps prevent stickiness, setting the stage for a perfectly creamy texture later.
Step 4: Simmer the Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any flavorful bits on the bottom. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the orzo will absorb most of the liquid and soften perfectly. This step is crucial to achieve the creamy consistency that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Cream, and Cheese
Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken finishes cooking through and the sauce becomes rich and creamy. If you are adding baby spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt, contributing color and a fresh flavor to balance the creaminess.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving makes all the difference, adding a lively brightness that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only gives a lovely pop of green but also adds a fresh, herbaceous note that feels like a final graceful touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider pairing it with a light green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrients. Garlic bread or warm pita can also make perfect side options to scoop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe right from the skillet or transfer it into individual bowls for a cozy feel. For a festive touch, serve in small ramekins with a little extra cheese and parsley on top. You can even offer lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add as much citrus zing as they desire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this creamy One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a great next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so without the cream and spinach, as their texture can change after thawing. Freeze the chicken and orzo with broth in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Then add fresh cream and greens when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the cream sauce. Stir often to ensure the dish heats evenly and remains creamy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
While orzo cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even small shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid over- or undercooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add extra seasoning or a protein like chickpeas to keep it filling.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, using milk will produce a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich and creamy. Skipping the Parmesan cheese also helps keep it lighter, but keep in mind that the overall texture and taste will be more subtle.
How spicy is this dish?
This One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe is mild but flavorful, with just a gentle kick from black pepper and Italian seasoning. If you prefer heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can make a simple blend using equal parts dried oregano, basil, and thyme or use fresh herbs if you have them on hand. The key is to add that aromatic herbiness to complement the chicken and orzo.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe enough—it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like home on a plate. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked orzo, it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe arsenal. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting meal that’s quick to make yet full of heart and flavor!
Print
One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Description
This One Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe is a creamy, comforting, and easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken pieces are browned and simmered with orzo pasta in a flavorful broth, finished with Parmesan cheese and spinach for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish that comes together all in one pot.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnishes
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the pan and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to bring out its nutty flavor.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and Finish: Stir the cooked chicken back into the pan along with heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy and well combined. If using, stir in baby spinach until wilted.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the dish warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added brightness and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes when cooking the onions.
- To make a lighter version, substitute milk for the heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat and more flavor or breasts for a leaner option.
- Make sure to stir frequently when cooking orzo to prevent sticking to the pan.
