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A delicious Chicken Orzo Dinner features tender chicken and flavorful orzo pasta.

Chicken Orzo Dinner Easy Perfect

This Chicken Orzo Dinner is a one-pot wonder packed with flavor and nutrients, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken and orzo pasta are combined with vegetables in a creamy parmesan sauce, making it a crowd-pleasing and budget-friendly option for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper any color
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional: Lemon juice
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes
  • Optional: Fresh parsley

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Stirring spoon

Method
 

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the vegetables, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  3. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Then, add the bell peppers and zucchini and cook until slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked chicken and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Don't overcook the orzo, check it frequently while simmering. Use high-quality ingredients for better flavor. Adjust seasoning to your liking with herbs and spices. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, adding broth if needed. Get creative with vegetables, adding mushrooms, asparagus, peas, or carrots. Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent it from drying out. Variations include Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo, Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo, Spicy Chicken Orzo, Mushroom and Spinach Chicken Orzo, Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken Orzo, and Cheesy Chicken Orzo.