I’m not kidding when I say one pot meals are my favorite. Seriously, less dishes, less mess, and somehow all the flavors just come together perfectly in the same pot! This One Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo is one of those recipes I just can’t stop making. It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor… and the best part? It all comes together so quick! Total weeknight win!
This dish checks all the boxes, comfort food, kid-approved, and so easy! The chicken gets perfectly seasoned, the orzo cooks right in the broth (so it soaks up ALL that flavor), and then everything gets finished off with cream and spinach for that rich, dreamy sauce. And omg, topping it with Pecorino Romano? Chef’s kiss! Also, its crazy that my kids eat the spinach in this and don’t pick it out like they do with any other meal that has spinach. We eat this on repeat in my house and there are never leftovers!
Details
Alright, let’s talk about how easy this is. Start with your chicken. Cube it up and toss it with olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you’ve got time, let it hang out and marinate for about 30 minutes. If you don’t? No big deal. Just cook it right away and it’s still going to be delicious!
In your pot, add a little olive oil and sauté the onion until it softens. Then throw in the chicken and cook it for 5–6 minutes until it’s nice and golden. The smell at this point? SO good.
Next up, add in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then stir in the orzo. Give it a little toast in the pot before adding the broth. That step makes the flavor even better. Pour in your chicken broth, give it a stir, and cover the pot. Let it simmer on medium heat for about 15–20 minutes. Don’t forget to stir here and there so nothing sticks. At the 10-minute mark, check on it and if it looks like it needs more liquid, add another ½ cup of broth. You want the orzo tender but not mushy, so aim for that perfect al dente bite.
Once the orzo is cooked, it’s time for the creamy magic. Stir in the heavy cream and then add the spinach. The spinach will wilt in just a couple minutes, and the whole dish will turn into this luscious, creamy, cozy bowl of goodness. Taste and see if it needs a pinch more salt, then you’re good to go.
Finish it off with a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese (and some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat). And that’s it! Dinner is served! All in one pot, no pile of dishes staring you down after. Trust me, this one’s going to be a regular in your rotation like it is in mine!
One Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- Ingredients for Chicken:
- 1.5 pound chicken breast cubed
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- Ingredients for Orzo:
- 1.5 cups orzo
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 3.5 – 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Pecorino Romano cheese grated (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, add in chicken, two tablespoons of olive oil and all the seasonings. Mix well. If you have time, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you don’t have time, you can cook it right away. (Don’t worry it will still be delicious!)
- In 2 tablespoons of olive oil, on medium high heat, sauté the onions for a couple minutes until softened. Once softened, add in the chicken. And cook for 5-6 minutes.
- Add in the sun-dried tomatoes and mix. Add in the orzo and then the broth. Cover and cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until orzo is cooked to al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally. At the 10 minute mark, check to see if it needs more broth. If you think it needs more add another 1/2 cup.
- Once the orzo is cooked al dente, add in the cream and mix. Then add in the spinach and cook for two minutes until wilted. Taste to see if it needs salt.
- Garnish with pecorino Romano cheese and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
