30-Minute One-Pan Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This one-pan Chicken Orzo is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts combine with creamy orzo, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes in a flavorful garlic and pesto sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10 oz cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup basil pesto

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner strips. Season generously with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then cook the chicken strips for about 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 cup of uncooked orzo, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until the orzo is lightly browned.
4. Step 4: Add 2 cups of chicken stock, half of the cherry tomatoes, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender.
5. Step 5: Stir in the fresh spinach and the remaining cherry tomatoes. Cook on low-medium heat until the spinach wilts.
6. Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer gently until the chicken is heated through and fully cooked, allowing flavors to combine.
8. Step 8: Serve warm, garnished with extra basil pesto if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken strips in the seasoning mix for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
• Add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese before serving for a richer taste.
• Use vegetable stock for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version (replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms).

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to maintain creaminess.

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 couscous, acini di pepe, or small shells work well as substitutes, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this recipe?

The heavy cream adds richness and creaminess, but you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if preferred. The texture will be slightly lighter.

30-Minute One-Pan Chicken Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 96 reviews

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

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Description

This quick and flavorful Chicken Orzo recipe combines tender seared chicken breasts with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy basil pesto sauce. Prepared in a single skillet, it’s a convenient and delicious 30-minute meal ideal for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 lb chicken breasts, skinless, boneless
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Orzo

• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10 oz cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup basil pesto

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner strips. Generously season the chicken with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Cook orzo: To the same now-empty skillet, add 1 cup of uncooked orzo, 5 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until the orzo is lightly browned and fragrant.
3. Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock, add half of the sliced cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Add spinach and remaining tomatoes: Stir in the fresh spinach and the remaining cherry tomatoes. Continue cooking on low to medium heat until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes have softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Create creamy sauce: Add ½ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup basil pesto to the skillet, stirring well to combine all the ingredients into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
6. Finish cooking chicken: Return the seared chicken strips to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the sauce for a few minutes until heated through and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream.
• You can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian adaptation, but omit chicken to keep it vegetarian.
• Be sure to stir occasionally while cooking the orzo to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
• Fresh basil leaves can be added on top for additional freshness and flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: chicken orzo, one-pan dinner, quick dinner, creamy pasta, chicken recipe, Italian-inspired