This Creamy Chicken Orzo brings together tender diced chicken, tiny pasta pearls, and vibrant vegetables in a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce. Everything cooks together in one skillet, allowing the orzo to absorb all the delicious flavors while creating that perfect creamy texture. With fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a hint of lemon zest, it’s comfort food that feels both indulgent and fresh.
If you love one-pan pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy our Vegan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta for a plant-based twist on creamy comfort. For more chicken and pasta combinations, try our Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta or Easy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta —both deliver that same satisfying, hearty experience with different flavor profiles.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 lb orzo pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra Parmesan
- Cracked black pepper
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
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Season diced chicken with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook chicken until golden, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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In same pan, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent.
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Add garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
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Stir in orzo, toasting lightly for 2 minutes.
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Pour in chicken broth, bring to simmer.
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Cook orzo, stirring occasionally, until most liquid is absorbed.
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Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until creamy.
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Return chicken to pan, add spinach and tomatoes.
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Stir in lemon zest and adjust seasonings.
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Serve hot with fresh garnishes.
Can’t get enough of great flavors? Check out these popular recipes that readers love making again and again.
For more one-pan wonders, our Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole and Spinach Mushroom Orzo deliver satisfying meals that are perfect for busy weeknights. When you’re craving creamy Italian classics, the Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto and Italian Grinder Bean Salad bring authentic flavors to your dinner table. Need more chicken comfort dishes? Our Hawaiian Banana Bread with Coconut & Pineapple and Espresso Toffee Cookies offer that same cozy, satisfying comfort you’ll love.
Browse our full collection for more kitchen inspiration that’ll have your family asking for seconds.
