One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo

One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo

This easy one-pan, 30-minute creamy chicken and orzo is made with seared, well-seasoned chicken thighs, mushrooms, spinach, fresh basil pesto, cream, and orzo simmered right in the same skillet. Minimal prep and cleanup like most of my dinner recipes.

Ingredients

  • paprika
    1 tsp
  • italian seasoning
    1 tsp
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • skinless boneless chicken thighs
    1 ½ lb
  • olive oil

    divided

    3 tbsp
  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • baby bella mushrooms

    or crimini

    8 oz
  • salt and pepper
  • orzo

    uncooked

    1 c
  • garlic

    minced

    5 cloves
  • italian seasoning

    or herbs from provence

    ½ tsp
  • paprika

    or more

    ½ tsp
  • chicken stock
    2 c
  • salt
    ¼ tsp
  • fresh baby spinach
    5 oz
  • heavy cream
    ½ c
  • basil pesto
    ⅓ c
  • fresh basil

    for garnish

Directions

Sear the chicken

  1. 1

    Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes.

  2. 2

    Slice chicken thighs into large pieces. Season all over with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, using 1 tablespoon of olive oil to rub the spices in or on the chicken.

  3. 3

    Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet. Sear chicken for 5 minutes without moving it.

  4. 4

    Flip, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet, leaving juices behind.

  5. 5

    Tip: Keep heat at medium or lower to avoid burning while still getting a good sear.

Cook the mushrooms

  1. 1

    In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms seasoned with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side until browned and softened. Remove half of the mushrooms to a plate.

Make the orzo

  1. 1

    Add uncooked orzo, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt to the skillet with cooked mushrooms. Cook the orzo and coat with seasonings and chicken juices on medium heat for 1 minute.

  2. 2

    Pour in 2 cups chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer on medium-low for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan, until the orzo is cooked through. You might have to add extra chicken stock if the orzo dries out too fast.

  3. 3

    Stir in spinach during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking so that it slightly wilts (but the spinach should not be overly cooked and mushy).

  4. 4

    Add heavy cream and 1/3 cup basil pesto. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. If the orzo is too dry, add a small amount of extra chicken stock + extra small amount of heavy cream.

Assemble

  1. 1

    Stir in the reserved mushrooms. Nestle the cooked chicken on top. Reheat gently on low. Garnish with fresh basil leaves (and/or chopped basil).

One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo

One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo

721 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that doesn't leave you with a pile of dishes? This One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo is your answer, delivering rich, savory satisfaction in one skillet.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this recipe lies in its sheer simplicity and incredible depth of flavor, all achieved in a single pan. You’ll love how well-seasoned chicken thighs are seared to perfection, then simmered with mushrooms, spinach, and orzo in a creamy, pesto-infused sauce, making for minimal prep and cleanup.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly satisfying main course that combines tender, juicy chicken with al dente orzo, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce. The earthy notes from baby bella or crimini mushrooms are beautifully complemented by the freshness of baby spinach and the vibrant, herbaceous kick of basil pesto. It's a hearty dish that feels indulgent yet comes together with remarkable ease, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight rotation.

Customization & Variations

This versatile dish offers several ways to make it your own. If baby bella or crimini mushrooms aren't available, feel free to use your favorite quick-cooking variety. You can also experiment with the dried herbs; while Italian seasoning works wonderfully, a blend of herbs from Provence can add a delightful aromatic twist to the orzo. For an extra boost of greens, don't hesitate to toss in more fresh baby spinach.

Serving & Context

This One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo is an ideal candidate for a cozy family dinner or a fuss-free meal after a busy day. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a bright, fragrant finish.

Frequently Asked Questions