Description
A warm, creamy bowl of chicken and pasta that offers comfort and convenience in a single dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for chicken)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for orzo)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (for wine substitute)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups orzo pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and cut into 1-inch pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sear chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
- Add olive oil, sauté onion for 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Deglaze with ½ cup chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Then, add remaining chicken broth and orzo, bringing to a simmer.
- Cook orzo, stirring frequently, for 10–12 minutes until al dente. Adjust liquid as necessary.
- Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter until melted and silky. Season to taste.
- Fold chicken into orzo, add spinach (if using), and cook until wilted.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, orzo, creamy pasta, one pot meal, cozy dinner