One-Skillet Creamy Chicken with Orzo, Spinach, and Tomatoes
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 cup uncooked orzo
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season it with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Toast the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes. This lightly toasts the pasta and adds extra depth of flavor.
Cook the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently so the orzo does not stick to the bottom.
Make It Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Add the cherry tomatoes and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy.
Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted. Finish with fresh lemon juice.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes & Tips
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or chicken breasts for a leaner option. Stir the orzo regularly while it cooks because it can settle and stick to the skillet. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of warm chicken broth.
For extra flavor, add crumbled feta cheese, red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Servings & Nutrition
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Approximate nutrition per serving: 520 calories, 38g protein, 42g carbohydrates, 22g fat, and 4g fiber. Values vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Q&A
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and drain it well before adding it to prevent excess liquid.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or roasted red peppers work beautifully in this one-skillet meal.