Description
A creamy and flavorful one-pan chicken orzo dish with spinach and cherry tomatoes, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into large chunks)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Toss chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
- Add garlic + orzo: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add the orzo and toast 1 minute.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and butter (if using) until glossy and creamy.
- Add spinach + tomatoes: Fold in spinach until wilted, then stir in cherry tomatoes. Simmer 1–2 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and everything is saucy. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: creamy chicken orzo, chicken orzo skillet, creamy spinach orzo, cherry tomato chicken, one pan pasta dinner, 30 minute dinner