Creamy Chicken Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach (30-Minutes, ONE-PAN)

Creamy Chicken Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach (30-Minutes, ONE-PAN)

from juliasalbum.com

Creamy Chicken Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach is a 30-minute one-pan well-balanced weeknight meal that has everything: protein, veggies, and pasta! Skinless boneless chicken thighs are pan-seared with paprika and Italian seasoning. It's the perfect comfort food that will surely become one of your family's favorite dinners! My other favorite quick and easy orzo pasta recipes are pesto chicken orzo with tomatoes and reader-favorite Tuscan shrimp orzo.

Ingredients

  • 1.3 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 oz baby bella mushrooms (or crimini)
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (or more)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)

Directions

  1. 1

    Season the chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt.

  2. 2

    Add sliced mushrooms, generously seasoned with salt and pepper, to the same, now empty, skillet. Cook on medium heat for about 2 minutes (flipping once) until lightly browned and softened. Remove half of the cooked mushrooms from the skillet to a plate.

  3. 3

    Add uncooked orzo, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt to the same skillet with half of the cooked mushrooms.

  4. 4

    Stir in the remaining half of cooked mushrooms.