Cooking Lucid
Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Orzo
A comforting and creamy one-pot dish featuring tender chicken and orzo pasta simmered in a luscious, savory sauce with spinach and Parmesan. This satisfying meal minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.
Prep 15 min
Cook 30 min
Total 45 min
Serves 5
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Skillet
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Sauté Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Cook Aromatics
Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Add Orzo and Broth
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- 4
Simmer and Thicken
Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 5
Finish the Dish
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and sauce is creamy. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition per serving: 620 cal · 45g protein · 48g carbs · 28g fat · 5g fiber
