Creamy Chicken Orzo

A one pan dish made with chicken, orzo pasta and spinach smothered in a creamy parmesan sauce. This Creamy Chicken Orzo is tasty comfort food that can be ready in just 30 minutes.

Just add a green salad and some crusty french bread and you have a meal!

Why make this recipe

Creamy orzo pasta with chicken is a delicious dish with a creamy sauce and fresh spinach. The creamy sauce and orzo pasta is reminiscent of risotto, but without all the work.

This is a one pan dish that can be whipped together in just 30 minutes but will have you thinking you are eating a gourmet meal! A one pan dish means cooking and cleanup is a breeze!

Rich, filling and so satisfying, this tasty recipe is one you'll keep coming back to again and again.

Key ingredients

• Chicken - boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Spinach - fresh baby spinach
• Orzo - rice shaped pasta
• Chicken broth - homemade or store bought
• White wine - use a dry wine like a chardonnay or pinot grigio
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs - Basil, thyme and parsley

Step by step directions

• Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise or butterflied so you have 4 equal sized breasts

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• Sprinkle both sides of each breast with salt
• Lightly dredge each breast in flour, shaking off any excess
• Place floured chicken breasts in a preheated pan over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Cook each side 3-5 minutes, until golden brown

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• Remove chicken from pan. It's okay if the chicken isn't cooked through, they will finish cooking when you return them to the pan.
• Using the same pan, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil, if needed. Add chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
• Stir in garlic and then stir in orzo pasta. Stir well for 1 minute until the pasta is well coated with the oil.

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• Add white wine and stir pan to deglaze pan and remove all the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Add chicken broth and cook over medium low heat until orzo is cooked al dente
• Add spinach

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• Stir in chopped thyme and parsley and add heavy cream and parmesan cheese
• Add chicken breast back into the pan and continue cooking over low heat for 3-4 minutes
• Remove from heat and add fresh basil

Recipe tips

• Taste the orzo to determine when it's done. If needed, cook a bit longer.
• If your liquid disappears before your orzo is done cooking, add ½ cup additional broth or water.
• Be certain to stir occasionally while orzo is cooking
• Double check chicken to make certain it is cooked through
• Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a sprinkling of parmesan

Variations

• Eliminate white wine and use all chicken broth
• Use dried herbs instead of fresh. Reduce dried herbs by half the amount called for fresh herbs.
• Add additional ½ cup of cream to make an even creamier dish.

Recipe Faqs

More chicken dishes

• Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
• Baked Chicken and Rice
• Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Chicken, Broccoli and Rice
• Crispy Chicken Tenders

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Be sure to check out all my main dish recipes!