One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly, this One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, juicy chicken nestled atop creamy, garlicky orzo with vibrant spinach and sun-dried tomatoes—all cooked in one skillet for an easy, no-fuss dinner!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• Effortless Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, you get a delicious dinner without a pile of dishes to wash afterward.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to each grain of orzo.
• Nutritious and Colorful: Fresh spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes add freshness and bursts of flavor, making every bite exciting and wholesome.
• Versatile Protein: Using chicken breasts or thighs allows you to customize tenderness and flavor to your liking.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Sometimes simplicity is the secret to deliciousness, and this recipe’s ingredients prove just that! Each component plays a special role—from the garlic and Italian seasoning that build a fragrant base, to the sun-dried tomatoes that add a sweet, tangy note, creating a balanced and deeply satisfying dish.

• Boneless skinless chicken: Thighs add more moisture and flavor, but breasts keep it lean and light—both work beautifully here.
• Orzo pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious sauce, making every bite delightful.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Broth is essential to infuse the orzo with depth and richness.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed): They bring a tangy sweetness and chewy texture that elevates the dish.
• Fresh baby spinach: Wilts into the creamy sauce, adding bright color and a healthy dose of greens.
• Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese: These work together to create the luxuriously creamy sauce that ties everything together.
• Italian seasoning and smoked paprika: Aromatic herbs and smoky spice give the chicken its irresistible flavor punch.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by warming a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, massage the chicken with the remaining olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them until beautifully golden on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add the butter and chopped onion. Sauté for about three minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and dry orzo, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the orzo turns lightly golden. This imparts a lovely nutty flavor to the pasta that makes all the difference in the final dish.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo and Finish the Dish

Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil, letting the orzo absorb the liquid for 3-5 minutes. Next, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet along with any juices, cover, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes on the stove, or transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

The brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice over the cooked chicken adds a zingy freshness that perfectly balances the creamy orzo. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of vibrant green and subtle herbal notes that lift the entire dish.

Side Dishes

This One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe is so satisfying on its own that it doesn’t demand much accompaniment, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts are ideal. A crusty slice of garlic bread can also soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken sliced over the orzo with a drizzle of the lemony pan juices. Garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and elegance. Using colorful bowls or rustic plates can also enhance the homemade charm of this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day meals just as delightful. Make sure to cool the dish before refrigerating to preserve texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, though the texture of the spinach may soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, separate the chicken and orzo portions if possible and place them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to bring back creaminess and avoid dryness. Alternatively, warm in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, creamy, and bursting with vibrant flavors. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. Give it a try, and watch it become a fast favorite in your cooking rotation!

One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 73 reviews

• Author: Susan
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

A flavorful and comforting one-pot dish featuring tender seared chicken, creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all cooked together in a savory broth and finished with Parmesan cheese and a bright splash of lemon juice.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Seasonings

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or small thighs
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Kosher salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Oils and Fats

• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained

Grains and Dairy

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Finishing Touches

• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Rub the chicken with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden, approximately 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add the butter and finely chopped onion. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and orzo pasta, cooking and stirring frequently until the orzo is lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Broth and Cook Orzo: Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the orzo to begin absorbing the liquid.
4. Incorporate Cream, Cheese, and Vegetables: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh baby spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts evenly.
5. Finish Cooking the Chicken and Orzo: Place the seared chicken and any collected juices back into the skillet on top of the orzo mixture. Cover and cook on the stovetop for 8-10 minutes or transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the orzo is tender.
6. Serve: Remove from heat, drizzle the juice of 1 lemon over the chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Notes

• Using an oven-safe skillet allows for easy transfer from stovetop to oven for perfectly cooked chicken and orzo.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt, depending on the saltiness of your broth and cheese.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
• For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
• If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes can be a fresh substitute, but the flavor will be milder.