Description
This One Pot Chicken Orzo recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that combines tender chicken breasts, fresh asparagus, spinach, and creamy Parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Prepared entirely in one pan, it’s a quick and easy dinner option that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped fresh asparagus
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon, optional)
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 ounces dry orzo
- 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- â…“ cup half and half
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken breasts until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté asparagus: In the same pan, add the chopped fresh asparagus and sauté for approximately 2 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Cook onion and toast orzo: Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then add dry orzo and minced garlic, stirring constantly to toast the orzo lightly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add all ingredients and finish cooking: Return the cooked chicken and asparagus to the pan. Stir in the half and half, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and thyme. Cook until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the one pot chicken orzo hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content in the dish.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta variety.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Half and half can be substituted with cream or milk for different creaminess levels.
