Description
This Creamy Orzo with Chicken is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce with parmesan cheese and baby spinach. It's a quick and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights, combining simple ingredients for a delicious, hearty dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1½ lb thin chicken breasts
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1½ T olive oil
Orzo and Sauce
- 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
- ⅓ cup white wine (or broth as substitute)
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1½ cups orzo (uncooked)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 3 T tomato paste
- 2 handfuls baby spinach
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness or slice them in half lengthwise. Pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl to coat. Place chicken in an even layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add a light drizzle of olive oil to the skillet and add minced garlic. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour white wine into skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce slightly.
- Add Broth and Orzo: Stir in chicken broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper if using, and orzo. Bring mixture to a light boil.
- Cook Orzo with Chicken: Return chicken to the skillet, submerging it in the liquid. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and orzo should be al dente with most liquid absorbed. If boiling vigorously, reduce heat slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, tomato paste, and grated parmesan cheese. Optionally remove chicken for easier stirring, then return.
- Add Spinach and Serve: Stir in baby spinach until wilted. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of white wine if preferred for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust seasonings like paprika and garlic powder to taste for more or less spice.
- Stir frequently when cooking orzo to avoid burning or sticking.
- You can substitute baby kale or arugula for spinach if desired.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safety.
- To save time, buy pre-minced garlic or pre-grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 487 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 422 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
