One Pot Chicken Orzo

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

One Pot Chicken Orzo delivers the perfect balance of convenience, nutrition, and comfort in a single dish that's ideal for busy weeknights. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and cleanup. What makes this dish special is its clever cooking method—toasting the orzo before simmering it in broth creates a rich, risotto-like creaminess without the constant stirring traditional risotto requires. The combination of lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the orzo, and nutrients from two types of green vegetables makes this a well-rounded meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor for health. Fresh asparagus adds a spring-like brightness, while spinach contributes vibrant color and additional nutrients. The creamy finish comes from just the right amount of half-and-half and Parmesan, creating luxurious texture without excessive heaviness. Perfect for families or meal prep, this adaptable one-pot wonder can be customized with seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand. The fact that everything cooks in a single pan means less cleanup, making this not just a delicious dinner option, but a practical one that respects your time and energy at the end of a long day.
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Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:38:30 GMT
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This One Pot Chicken Orzo is a culinary symphony, a delightful harmony of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo, all enveloped in a creamy, dreamy sauce. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to lick the pot clean, a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in perfect unison. I've been making this for family dinners, and it's always a hit, a dish that disappears as quickly as it's served.

The way the orzo absorbs the flavors of the broth and the creamy sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats every bite, is simply divine. I remember the first time I made this, my kids, who are usually picky eaters, couldn't get enough. They kept asking for seconds, and even thirds!

Selecting the Ingredients: A Culinary Treasure Hunt

  • Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein source. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy enjoyment.
  • Seasonings: A simple blend of garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes enhances the flavors of the chicken and adds a touch of warmth.
  • Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and helps to brown the chicken and vegetables.
  • Vegetables: A colorful medley of yellow onion, fresh asparagus, minced garlic, and fresh spinach adds texture, flavor, and nutritional value.
  • Orzo: This small, rice-shaped pasta is the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
  • Broth: Low or no-salt chicken broth provides a flavorful base for the dish.
  • Fresh Thyme: A sprig or two of fresh thyme adds a delicate, earthy aroma.
  • Half and Half: This adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
  • Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese add a final touch of freshness and flavor.
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Crafting the One Pot Chicken Orzo: A Culinary Adventure

Seasoning the Chicken:
In a small bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings, ensuring each piece is infused with flavor.
Cooking the Chicken to Golden Perfection:
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Sautéing the Asparagus:
In the same pan, add the remaining one tablespoon of olive oil. Add the fresh asparagus and sauté for two minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove the asparagus from the pan and set it aside.
Building the Flavor Base:
Add the diced yellow onion to the pan and sauté until softened, about three minutes. Add the orzo and minced garlic, cooking until the orzo is lightly toasted, about three minutes. This toasting process adds a nutty depth of flavor to the dish.
Simmering with Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for seven minutes, stirring halfway through, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is cooked through.
Creating the Creamy Harmony:
Stir in the cooked chicken, asparagus, half and half, Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and thyme sprigs. Heat for one to two minutes, or until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. The spinach will add a vibrant green color and a boost of nutrients.
Serving with Flair:
Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the symphony of flavors in every bite.

My family loves adding a squeeze of lemon juice to this dish for a touch of brightness. It complements the creamy sauce and fresh vegetables perfectly.

Substitutions and Variations: A Culinary Playground

  • Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil, butter, or ghee.
  • Chicken: Use boneless chicken thighs or cooked chicken for a quicker option.
  • Broth: Use vegetable or beef broth interchangeably.
  • Asparagus: Substitute with zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
  • Half and Half: Substitute with whole milk or heavy cream.
  • Spinach: Substitute with arugula or double the spinach for extra greens.
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Storage and Reheating: Preserving the Goodness

  • Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a covered pot on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth to loosen it up.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as frozen pasta can become mushy.

This One Pot Chicken Orzo is a culinary masterpiece, a symphony of flavors that's both easy to create and incredibly satisfying. It's a dish that celebrates the beauty of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand or are in season. Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms all work beautifully in this dish. For firmer vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, add them when you cook the onion. More delicate vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini can be added with the asparagus. Frozen peas or corn are also great options—just add them in the final step when you stir in the spinach, as they only need a minute or two to heat through.
→ Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted to be dairy-free. Instead of half-and-half, use full-fat coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy work well). For the Parmesan, you can either omit it entirely or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Nutritional yeast (about 2 tablespoons) can also add a cheesy flavor. The dish won't be quite as creamy but will still be delicious with these substitutions.
→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the pasta (about 1-2 tablespoons per cup of leftovers), then gently warm in a covered pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it at 50% power, covered with a damp paper towel, stirring halfway through heating. Avoid high heat which can make the chicken tough and the sauce separate.
→ Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute other small pasta shapes for orzo, though you may need to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts. Small shapes like stelline (little stars), acini de pepe, or small shells work well. For larger pasta like penne or rotini, increase the broth to 3 cups and cooking time to 10-12 minutes. Rice can also be substituted for a gluten-free option—use arborio rice and cook it similar to a risotto, adding the broth in stages and stirring more frequently.
→ How can I meal prep this dish?
This one-pot chicken orzo works well for meal prep with a few adjustments. You can prepare the entire dish and portion it into containers for up to 4 days of lunches or dinners. When reheating, add a splash of broth to revive the creaminess. Alternatively, you can prep components ahead of time: cube and season the chicken (store in the refrigerator up to 2 days), chop the vegetables, and measure out the dry ingredients. With everything prepped, you can assemble the dish in about 25 minutes when you're ready to cook.

One Pot Chicken Orzo

This One Pot Chicken Orzo combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy parmesan sauce for a quick, nutritious meal that's both comforting and easy to prepare.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cubed into 1" pieces
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
06 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
07 ½ cup yellow onion, chopped (about 1/2 a medium onion)
08 2 cups fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1 inch pieces
09 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 garlic cloves)
10 8 ounces dry orzo
11 2 ½ cups chicken broth, low or no salt
12 2 sprigs fresh thyme (can sub 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
13 ⅓ cup half and half (can sub milk)
14 ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan
15 2 cups fresh spinach
16 Chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, combine chicken chunks, garlic powder, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, toss to coat.

Step 02

In a large high sided pan over medium high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the chicken. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside in a bowl.

Step 03

In the same pan, (no need to clean it!) add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the asparagus and sauté for 2 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside to the plate with the cooked chicken.

Step 04

Add the onion to the pan and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the orzo and garlic and cook until the orzo starts to toast slightly, another 3 minutes.

Step 05

Add in the broth and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pan. (Tip: You can microwave your broth before adding to the pan to speed up cook time) Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 7 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring halfway.

Step 06

Stir in the cooked chicken, asparagus, half and half, parmesan, spinach and thyme. Heat for one to two minutes more until heated through and spinach is wilted.

Step 07

Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated parmesan.

Notes

  1. This dish is best when fresh. Leftovers tend to be drier, less creamy, and can clump together. For best quality, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat in a covered pot on the stove, over low heat, adding some extra broth to loosen it back up.
  2. There are different sizes of orzo pasta, and they may have different cooking times. The size most commonly found in the supermarkets cook in about 8 minutes. This recipe was made using Barilla orzo. Check the packaging of orzo for cook times and choose one with an 7-9 minute cook time.
  3. This orzo can be made with chunks of boneless skinless thighs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time for the chicken. To make this an even faster dish, you can skip the first 2 steps and use pulled or chopped cooked chicken folded in at the end.
  4. Other vegetables that would be good in this would be zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms.
  5. Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large high-sided pan with lid
  • Small bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (half and half, parmesan)
  • Contains gluten (orzo pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 546
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 48 g