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One Pot Chicken Orzo

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A wholesome, creamy, and flavorful one-pot dish combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and orzo pasta in a light Parmesan sauce, perfect for quick and comforting weeknight meals.

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cubed into 1” pieces

1 teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

½ cup diced yellow onion (about ½ medium onion)

2 cups chopped fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)

8 ounces dry orzo

2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup half-and-half

1 cup fresh spinach

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and chopped asparagus until the onion is translucent and the asparagus is tender, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the dry orzo and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast the pasta.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Add the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein source.
  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the dish dairy-free.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or microwave in short intervals.

Nutrition

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