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If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that comes together quickly and bursts with flavor, then you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Chicken Orzo With Spinach Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of chicken mingling perfectly with tender orzo pasta, bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce brightened by fresh spinach and a hint of Parmesan — every bite is like a warm hug on a plate. This dish is not only incredibly satisfying but also a beautiful balance of creamy, savory, and fresh that will make it your go-to weeknight favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Creamy Chicken Orzo With Spinach Recipe, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, achieving that perfect creamy texture, and adding vibrant color to your dish.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides juicy protein and a mild flavor that soaks up all the seasoning.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: Tiny, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and creates a lovely creamy base.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the orzo and chicken with savory depth and moisture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the dish its signature rich and velvety texture.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a fresh green crunch and boosts the nutritional value effortlessly.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Builds aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté ingredients and add a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs that elevates every bite with classic Mediterranean notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything together beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: A nutty, salty garnish to finish the dish with elegance.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo With Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the chicken breasts, chopping the fresh spinach, and mincing the garlic. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it shimmers. This will create the perfect foundation for building delicious flavor in your dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the chicken brown beautifully, cooking it until it’s no longer pink inside, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in juiciness and ensures tasty bits develop on the surface.
Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma.
Step 5: Add the Orzo and Broth
Pour the orzo pasta and chicken broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer. This allows the orzo to cook gently, soaking up all those savory flavors.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet and let the orzo simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. The orzo should become perfectly al dente while absorbing most of the broth.
Step 7: Stir in the Cream and Spinach
Pour in the heavy cream and add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts down and the sauce turns luxuriously creamy. This step transforms the dish from simple to unforgettable.
Step 8: Season to Taste
Give your dish a quick taste test and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. This little tweak can make all the difference in bringing out the dish’s full potential.
Step 9: Serve with Parmesan
Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately, topping each portion with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This finishing touch adds a wonderful salty richness that perfectly crowns your creation.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo With Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra burst of flavor and inviting look, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a few red pepper flakes on top. A little lemon zest grated over the dish can also brighten up the creaminess for a lovely contrast.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to add texture and freshness to your meal. A crusty baguette or garlic bread also makes a fantastic accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the dish in individual ramekins or shallow bowls. You could also create a colorful layered presentation by adding the orzo mixture on a plate, then topping with a handful of lightly toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Creamy Chicken Orzo With Spinach Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will remain tasty and creamy for up to 3 days, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the cream sauce might change texture slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and use within 1 to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that luscious texture. Avoid microwaving on high heat as it can make the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like baby shells, acini di pepe, or even couscous can work well, though cooking times may vary slightly. Orzo is preferred because it blends seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead and freezing?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead and freeze it. Just be mindful that the creamy texture might change a bit after freezing, but reheating gently will help restore its deliciousness.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
You can try using half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. To keep some creaminess, consider adding a small amount of cream cheese or a roux to thicken the sauce.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavors will be slightly different but still delightful.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers would all be excellent additions. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic to incorporate their flavors fully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Orzo With Spinach Recipe is such a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s easy to make, full of nourishing ingredients, and totally satisfying whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorites—I promise it’ll warm your heart and your taste buds!
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Print
Creamy Chicken Orzo With Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and creamy chicken orzo dish featuring tender diced chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce made with chicken broth and heavy cream. This easy one-pan meal combines Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a delicious and satisfying dinner ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Liquids and Others
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts, chop the spinach, dice the onion, and mince the garlic to have all ingredients ready before cooking.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and no longer pink inside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in 1 cup of orzo pasta and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Orzo: Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cream and Spinach: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and evenly coats the orzo and chicken.
- Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust seasonings by adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy chicken orzo hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor; baby spinach works particularly well.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- For added depth, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Orzo cooks quickly; keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking and becoming mushy.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the cream sauce.
