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Creamy One-Pot Orzo with Chicken

Creamy One-Pot Orzo with Chicken for Effortless Comfort

A comforting and creamy dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or substitute with olive oil for dairy-free option
  • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Shallot finely chopped, can substitute with onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • to taste Kosher Salt adjust for flavor
For the Pasta Mix
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta can substitute with small pasta shapes
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes chopped, oil-packed preferred
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Italian Seasoning or an Italian herb blend
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine can omit or replace with extra chicken stock
  • 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Stock
For the Finish
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach or substitute with kale or Swiss chard
  • 4 ounces Goat Cheese crumbled, cream cheese or mascarpone as alternatives
  • 1 whole Lemon zest and juice
  • 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken optional, can substitute with grilled shrimp or omit for vegetarian
  • to taste Parmesan Cheese nutritional yeast is a vegan alternative
  • to taste Fresh Basil or substitute with parsley
  • to taste Flaky Sea Salt

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium shallot, finely chopped, and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Next, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning over the mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the orzo starts to look slightly toasted, then pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine, allowing it to simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for approximately 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and al dente, absorbing the flavorful liquid as it cooks.
  4. After the orzo is cooked, stir in 2 cups of baby spinach, 4 ounces of crumbled goat cheese, and the zest and juice of 1 lemon. If using, add in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken at this point, and mix everything together. Allow the heat to gently melt the cheese and wilt the spinach for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Plate the creamy one-pot orzo with chicken and garnish with additional goat cheese and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil, and sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for an added burst of flavor before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Stir regularly while cooking to prevent sticking. Adjust liquids if using different pasta shapes. For a richer dish, consider adding more goat cheese or a splash of heavy cream.

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