Elevate your weeknight dinner game with our One Pot Chicken and Orzo pasta recipe! Imagine succulent chicken perched atop a bed of buttery orzo, dancing with sautéed veggies to create a medley of flavors. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a vibrant, mouthwatering meal that comes together in less than an hour. It’s not just dinner; it’s a culinary triumph ready to grace your table!
Table of Contents
What Is Orzo?
If you’re unfamiliar, orzo is a type of small, oval-shaped pasta. It’s also known as pastina or “little pasta” or risi, which actually translates to rice.
But don’t get confused! Made with semolina flour, orzo is definitely a type of pasta, not rice.
Popular in Italy, it’s used in a wide variety of recipes. For instance, we love to include orzo in our Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake, Shrimp Orzo Bake, and Middle Eastern Orzo Soup!
Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Avocado can also be used, but we love the bold, peppery flavor of olive oil.
- Chicken – Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or small chicken thighs.
- Seasonings – Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper create a savory flavor with an element of smokiness and a hint of heat.
- Butter – We recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the flavor of the recipe more easily.
- Aromatics – Onion and garlic add a savory flavor and a slightly sweet, pungent taste.
- Orzo Pasta – Make sure it’s dry!
- Broth – Use vegetable broth or chicken broth, and look for low-sodium varieties!
- Heavy Cream – This creates a rich flavor and a velvety consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese – For the best taste and texture, use a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself.
- Baby Spinach – This is slightly sweeter and more tender than regular spinach.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Look for sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in il, and be sure to drain them well.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is best!
- Fresh Parsley – Technically optional, we love the pop of color and refreshing, peppery flavor this adds. Plus, you can always store leftover parsley for later!
Skip the Dishes with this One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Below is an overview of the recipe instructions. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details.
- Prepare. Heat part of the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season and sear the chicken. Rub the remaining oil over the chicken along with the seasonings. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken, and sear it on both sides. Then, transfer it to a plate.
- Sauté. Add the butter to the skillet along with the finely chopped onion. Cook until it is fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and orzo, and cook for another few minutes. Be careful not to burn!
- Boil. Pour in the broth, and bring the liquid to a boil. Cook until the pasta is slightly tender.
- Combine. Add the cream, Parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts. Then, add the chicken and any juices.
- Cook. Allow the mixture to cook uncovered on the stove. Or, transfer the skillet to the oven, and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve. Allow the chicken to rest for at least five minutes. Then, garnish with lemon juice and parsley, and enjoy warm.
What Else Can I Add?
Unleash your culinary creativity with our One Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe! Feel free to play mix-and-match with whatever ingredients you have on hand to make this dish uniquely yours. Here’s your chance to customize. Some of our personal favorites include:
- Vegetables: mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, peas
- Protein: shrimp, bacon
- Grains: pasta, rice, couscous
Serving Suggestions
Crafted with a trio of protein, veggies, and carbs, our One Pot Chicken and Orzo pasta isn’t just a dish – it’s a complete meal all on its own. Embrace the simplicity or take it up a notch by pairing it with your favorite sides and appetizers for a spread that’s sure to please any crowd!
- 5-Ingredient Parmesan Garlic Dinner Rolls
- No-Knead Cheesy Focaccia Bread
- Spiraled Cucumber Yogurt Salad
- Marinated Tomatoes and Feta Dip
How to Store and Reheat
Store: Once cooled, leftover chicken and orzo can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to three to five days.
Freeze: Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container, and keep it frozen for up to three months.
Reheat: Allow your leftovers to thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm them in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
More One Pot Recipes
Get ready to spice things up with some more one-pot wonders!
- One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta
- One Pot Hummus Pasta
- One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rotini
- One Pot
Spaghetti Carbonara
One Pot Chicken and Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or small thighs
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups broth chicken or vegetable
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Rub the chicken with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden, approximately 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet.2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 pound boneless, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, Kosher salt to taste, Black pepper to taste
- In the same skillet, add the butter and finely chopped onion. Cook until fragrant for about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and orzo, cooking until lightly golden for 2-3 minutes.2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- Pour in the broth. Bring it to a boil and cook for 3-5 minutes.2 cups broth
- Afterward, add the cream, Parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until the spinach wilts. Place the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Cook covered for 8-10 min or Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook, uncovered, for 400 for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, 4 cups fresh baby spinach, 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- Serve the chicken topped with lemon juice, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.Juice of 1 lemon, Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve made this dish several times and it’s been a huge hit every time I’ve made it.
We’re so happy to hear this! Thank you for trying it out, Mike. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
We liked this so much, we made it two nights in a row! Delicious! And super easy.
The recipe was perfect — really tasty and easy to use as a base with any combination of spices and veggies. I finished in the oven and the chicken came out perfectly done.
I love this page — clean and informative (not life-story blog style, concise), functional (check boxes in the ingredient list, reiterating the amounts of each ingredient under the cooking step).
I came here from Instagram. Nice work!
Thank you so much! We’re so happy to have you here and hope you continue to enjoy the recipes. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Amazing! Absolutely loved this dish and shared your recipe with my friends and daughters. Very delicious and easy to make! I will try it with coconut milk to cut some of the fat next time. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Ana! We’re so glad you enjoyed it and appreciate you sharing it with others. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
A new staple in our home! I love this delicious, comforting meal. Also love that the measurements and ingredients are listen under each step, I wish everyone did this!
Thank you so much, Kristen! We’re glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I used the stove method with my Lodge Dutch oven to finish cooking the chicken. Why did my orzo start cooking to the bottom? Do I need to cook it on low for 10 minutes?
It could’ve been the heat! A low setting would be best. Also, try to give the orzo a stir to break it up a bit. Hope that helps!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This dish is SO good, and so easy! I usually riff off recipes but followed this one exactly since it looked so good in the video and I’m so glad I did. My whole family loved it- no small feat these days 🙂 will definitely make again and can’t wait to try with different protein/veggies combos. Thank you for a wonderful recipe!
You’re so welcome, Erin! Thank you for trying it out and taking the time to leave a review. We’re so glad it was a hit!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Oh. My. God. This was DELICIOUS. Now I’m going to sort out how to bring the fat content down a bit. But jeez, Louise, this is a winner of a dinner.
Thank you so much, Sam! We’re so glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Made this tonight for the first time—another win from Alia and Radwa! It took less than an hour from start to eat 😉
Easy ingredients; easy to put together. I especially like the option of either finishing off the chicken in the oven or on stovetop; I chose to put it in the oven and it tasted great. I’ll try stovetop next time! Thank you, Food Dolls!
Thank you, Amy! We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Can you replace the sundried tomato’s with anything?
You could use roasted peppers or regular tomatoes! Just note that the flavor will change slightly.
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Is there a substitute for the heavy cream?
You could try canned coconut milk!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
How many servings does this make? I’m wondering just for how much the nutrition info refers to. Thanks!
4 servings! We always list the serving size at the top of the recipe card. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Easy to follow, and absolutely delicious!
Thank you, Megan!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Absolutely delicious and simple to make!
I’ve made with spicy Italian sausage and again with chicken. Excellent recipe, everyone loves it!
Thank you so much, Linda! We’re glad you enjoy it! 🥰
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Need to know!
Why is the garnish upsidedown?
On a side note- the food itself and recipe sound delicious. Will definitely be giving this one a try 🙂
Mostly for a more detailed image! We hope you enjoy the recipe, Eliza!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This was amazing and simple. I can’t wait to make more of your recipes. Everything looks so good.
Thank you so much, Marlea! We’re glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Can I sub in coconut cream in place of the heavy cream?
It won’t be quite as rich, but it should work!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This was beyond amazing! I added broccoli to mine and used Banza orzo since I’m a gluten free gal. It worked wonderfully! Highly suggest garnishing with the fresh lemon juice and parsley – you will be somehow even more pleased. Don’t walk… RUN to make this recipe tonight!
Thank you so much, Eliza! 🥰
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This might be one of my new favorite dinners. this was so quick to put together too. I messed up and didn’t remove the chicken from the pan, but it still turned out amazing. We’ll be making this regularly!
We’re so glad it turned out well for you, Chelsea!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Absolutely delicious and convenient one pan meal!!!
Thank you so much, Pamela!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa