This creamy chicken orzo dish is a warm hug in a bowl! Tender chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes come together with orzo pasta to create a delicious and comforting meal.
It’s so easy to make that you’ll want to have it on the dinner table every week. Plus, one pot means less cleanup! Who doesn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cooked shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver!
Orzo: Orzo is the star of this dish, but you can swap it for other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds great color and nutrition. If you can’t find fresh, frozen spinach will work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the dish.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even Greek yogurt. Just stir in the yogurt at the end for creaminess without the extra calories.
Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with an additional half cup of chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
How Do I Get the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking chicken to perfection can be tricky! To ensure it’s juicy and tender, follow these simple tips:
- Use thighs if you can! They stay moister than breasts.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—this can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This helps keep it juicy.
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Orzo?
Cooking orzo might seem straightforward, but getting that perfect al dente texture takes a bit of attention:
- Add orzo to the pan after the onion and garlic; this helps it absorb all those lovely flavors.
- Stir occasionally while it’s cooking to prevent it from sticking.
- Taste a minute or two before the package calls for it—cooking times can vary by brand!
With these insights, your creamy chicken orzo will be delicious and enjoyable! Happy cooking!
Creamy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken orzo takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend 10-15 minutes on prep work and cooking the chicken, followed by about 15 minutes to complete the orzo and mix in all those delicious flavors. It’s a quick and satisfying dish for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil and Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Cook the Orzo:
Add the orzo pasta into the pan, stirring it around so it gets coated with the oil and onion mixture. If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and allow it to simmer until mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil.
4. Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Add the Veggies and Chicken:
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly, about 2 minutes. Now, return the cooked chicken back to the pan, mixing everything together.
6. Create that Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream, add the grated Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle in the Italian herbs. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until everything is heated through and smoothly combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. Your creamy chicken orzo with spinach and tomatoes is ready to enjoy—dig in and savor every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dish. This way, your orzo won’t become watery.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo If I Can’t Find It?
If orzo isn’t available, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s perfectly cooked!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute in place of heavy cream. For the cheese, try a plant-based Parmesan or simply omit it for a lighter dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce!
