One Pot Chicken Orzo – Creamy, High Protein & Easy Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Chicken Orzo is a creamy and comforting dinner that’s both high in protein and incredibly easy to make. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the hassle.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus 1 more tablespoon
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onions and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the orzo to the pan and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the orzo cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring it into the orzo. Let it simmer together for another 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Step 7: Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and baby spinach until the spinach wilts.
8. Step 8: Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the dish to add brightness and a fresh zing.
9. Step 9: Serve warm, either on its own or alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture and richer flavor.
• Swap out baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard if you prefer heartier greens.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions for a subtle heat.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk and Parmesan with coconut milk and nutritional yeast.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the spinach and creaminess may change. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

One Pot Chicken Orzo – Creamy, High Protein & Easy Dinner Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 81 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This one pot chicken orzo recipe is a creamy, high-protein, and easy dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken is seared and combined with toasted orzo pasta, aromatic onions and garlic, then simmered in chicken broth and milk until perfectly creamy. Finished with Parmesan cheese, fresh baby spinach, and a bright splash of lemon juice, this dish is both comforting and flavorful, all made in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach

Pasta and Dairy

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Finishing Touch

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion & Garlic: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pan and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to enhance the nutty flavor.
4. Simmer the Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Cook the Orzo: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the orzo cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of additional broth or water as needed.
6. Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing it thoroughly into the orzo. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld together.
7. Stir in Parmesan & Spinach: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach until the spinach wilts and the cheese is well incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
8. Finish with Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for a bright, fresh flavor that balances the creaminess.
9. Serve & Enjoy: Serve the creamy chicken orzo warm, either on its own or paired with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use whole or 2% milk for best creaminess; low-fat milk can be used but will yield a lighter texture.
• If you prefer a richer dish, add a tablespoon of butter along with the Parmesan cheese.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
• For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil before serving.
• To make this dish gluten-free, substitute orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
• If you want a vegetarian version, omit chicken and use vegetable broth instead.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: one pot chicken orzo, creamy chicken orzo, easy chicken dinner, one pot dinner, high protein chicken recipe