If you are looking for a meal that brings together comfort, simplicity, and vibrant flavor, look no further than this One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something hearty without a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. The juicy chicken melds beautifully with tender orzo, infused with garlic, tomatoes, and spinach, creating a warm bowl of satisfaction that’s both nourishing and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to how approachable and delightful this dish is. Each component plays a starring role, whether it’s the savory chicken, the luscious broth, or the fresh spinach adding that splash of vibrant green.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and aromatics, adding a fruity undertone and helping to seal in flavor.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay tender and juicy throughout.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Onion: Finely chopped to provide a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with its irresistible aromatic warmth.
- Orzo pasta: A rice-shaped pasta that cooks perfectly in one pot, blending with the broth.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the orzo and chicken with savory goodness.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained: Add juiciness and a hint of acidity, balancing the richness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a herby, Mediterranean flair.
- Spinach: Roughly chopped to add freshness and a beautiful burst of color.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated to sprinkle in at the end for a creamy, salty finish.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped as a garnish to brighten and elevate each serving.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook until they’re golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in moisture and creates a flavorful crust that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 2: Aromatics and Flavor Base
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently until they’re soft and fragrant, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. This foundation is what builds the complexity of flavors that define this One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe.
Step 3: Add Orzo, Broth, and Tomatoes
Pour the orzo into the skillet, stirring it with the onions and garlic to toast it lightly for a minute or two. This toasting enhances its nutty undertones. Then, add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low, return the sautéed chicken to the pan, cover, and let everything simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. The orzo will absorb the flavorful broth as it cooks, and the chicken will continue to tenderize, resulting in a creamy, comforting dish.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Just before serving, stir in the roughly chopped spinach until it wilts into the warm orzo. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese throughout, stirring to melt it into a luscious, cheesy finish that ties all the elements together beautifully.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top. Its bright, herbal notes contrast wonderfully with the warm, cheesy richness of the dish, adding a fresh pop of color and flavor that feels like the perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a crusty loaf of bread can round out the meal nicely. The freshness of a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette complements the savory orzo, while bread helps soak up any extra sauce for total comfort food bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just make dinner feel extra special, serve the One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe in shallow bowls with a final drizzle of good olive oil and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan. You could also add a wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze over the top for a zesty brightness that wakes up every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish holds up well for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, keep in mind the texture of the orzo may soften further upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and use within 2 months for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps to restore the creamy consistency and prevents the orzo from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully. Thighs tend to be juicier and a bit more forgiving during cooking, but breasts are a leaner option. Just cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, to adapt this One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe for vegetarians, simply skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Adding some hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini can enhance the dish’s texture and flavor in place of chicken.
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Orzo is ideal here because it cooks quickly and absorbs liquids well, but small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or couscous can work. Keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly with different pasta.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking or becoming mushy?
To avoid mushy or stuck orzo, ensure you use the right amount of broth and stir the dish occasionally during cooking. Also, do not overcook—follow the simmering times closely so the pasta stays perfectly tender.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it?
Definitely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat as needed. Just add a little broth when reheating to revive its creamy texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely think you’ll fall in love with this One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe as much as I have. It’s cozy, flavorful, and unbelievably satisfying, all without fussing over multiple pots and pans. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, it’s sure to become one of your go-to dishes—give it a try and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Print
One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This one pot chicken and orzo recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that combines tender chicken pieces with orzo pasta, spinach, and a savory tomato broth, all cooked together for a comforting and satisfying meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
- Cook chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides but not cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add orzo and liquids: Stir in the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer and cook orzo: Cover the pot and let the contents simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add spinach and cheese: Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more tender, flavorful meat; breasts work well if you prefer leaner protein.
- If you like a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end.
- You can substitute vegetable broth to make this recipe suitable for vegetarians by omitting the chicken and using plant-based protein.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
