Description
A cozy one-pan dinner with tender chicken, creamy parmesan orzo, and fresh spinach, all cooked together for a rich and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 packed cups baby spinach
- 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the Italian seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the diced onion to the same skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the dry orzo and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir well. Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the spinach a handful at a time until wilted.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Let the dish rest for 2 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Stir the orzo often while it simmers so it cooks evenly and does not stick.
- Add a splash of extra broth if the sauce thickens too much before the orzo is tender.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- Reheat leftovers with a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken orzo, spinach orzo skillet, one pan chicken pasta, parmesan orzo, easy weeknight dinner