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–+ servings

One Pot Chicken Orzo

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Keyword One Pot Chicken Orzo
Servings 4
Creamy one pot chicken orzo with asparagus, spinach, and parmesan. A delicious, all-in-one dinner ready in 45 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1” pieces
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • ½ cup diced yellow onion about ½ medium onion
  • 2 cups chopped fresh asparagus 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic about 3 cloves
  • 8 oz dry orzo pasta
  • 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • ⅓ cup half and half or milk as a lighter option
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

  • In a small bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  • In a large, deep skillet or high-sided pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add chicken and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Asparagus

  • In the same pan (no need to clean), add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss in the asparagus and sauté for 2 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Build the Base

  • Add diced onion to the pan. Cook for 3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and the orzo. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes, letting the orzo toast slightly.

Step 4: Simmer Orzo

  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Stir in the Good Stuff

  • Return the chicken and asparagus to the pan. Add in spinach, thyme, half and half, and parmesan. Stir everything together and cook for 1–2 more minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce is silky.

Step 6: Serve

  • Top with chopped parsley and extra grated parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, hearty bite.