Creamy Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
20 g
- 1 lb chicken breast
cut into 1-inch cubes, 450 g
- 1 medium shallot
finely diced
- 2 large garlic cloves
finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
finely chopped
- 10.5 oz orzo
300 g
- 4 cups chicken stock
1 litre
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 cups baby spinach
75 g
- 1/2 cup half and half
100 ml
- 1/3 cup Parmesan
grated, 30 g
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan and melt the butter in it.
- 2
Add the chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes over medium heat until slightly golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- 3
To the same pan, add the shallot and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the garlic, thyme and oregano and continue to cook for another minute.
- 4
Add the orzo, toast it for a minute, and then pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.
- 5
Stir in the baby spinach and lemon juice and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- 6
Add the half and half and stir to combine. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens, then add the cooked chicken and grated Parmesan.
- 7
Season to taste and serve immediately, with some extra grated Parmesan on top if you like.
Creamy Chicken Orzo
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 247 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food that’s both indulgent and incredibly simple to make? This Creamy Chicken Orzo delivers a cheesy, velvety experience in one pot, making weeknight dinners a breeze. It’s the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out.
The magic of this recipe lies in its sheer simplicity and comforting richness. By cooking everything in a single pot, you infuse every grain of orzo and every piece of tender chicken with the savory goodness of chicken stock, fresh herbs, and a luscious Parmesan sauce. The result is a profoundly satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Prepare for a truly heartwarming experience. Each spoonful offers tender, juicy chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked orzo, all coated in a rich, creamy, and subtly tangy Parmesan sauce. The fresh thyme and oregano add an aromatic depth, while a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness beautifully. The baby spinach wilts into the sauce, adding a touch of color and earthy balance to this deeply satisfying meal.
Feel free to make this Creamy Chicken Orzo your own. While chicken breast shines here, you could easily swap it for chicken thighs for an even richer flavor. For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers alongside the spinach. Don't have fresh herbs on hand? A teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning can work in a pinch. You can also adjust the amount of Parmesan to your liking for an extra cheesy finish.
This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you need a little culinary hug after a long day. Serve it simply in a bowl, perhaps with a crusty piece of bread to sop up every last drop of that incredible sauce.