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

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Finish with Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for a bright, fresh flavor that balances the creaminess.
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