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Creamy Chicken and Orzo Recipe

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4.1 from 39 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This creamy chicken and orzo dish combines tender, seasoned chicken pieces with delicate orzo pasta simmered in flavorful chicken broth, enriched with fresh spinach and a luscious blend of herbed goat cheese and Parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan recipe is perfect for a comforting and elegant weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
  • 5 ounces baby spinach

Orzo and Broth

  • 1 1/4 cups uncooked orzo
  • 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth

Cheeses and Herbs

  • 4 ounces herbed goat cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
  2. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook until fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté shallots and garlic: To the same pan, add chopped shallots and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until shallots soften and become fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Add broth and orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor. Bring broth to a boil, then add the uncooked orzo. Stir well and reduce heat to medium-low.
  5. Simmer orzo: Let the orzo simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring often to avoid sticking. Cook until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If liquid is absorbed before orzo is tender, add additional chicken broth in small increments.
  6. Add spinach and cheeses: Stir in baby spinach, herbed goat cheese, Parmesan, and fresh thyme leaves. Continue stirring until spinach wilts and cheeses melt into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Combine chicken and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring it into the creamy orzo mixture. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and thyme leaves before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
  • If goat cheese is not available, cream cheese can be used as a substitute, though taste will differ slightly.
  • Adding fresh herbs like thyme at the end enhances the bright flavor and aroma.
  • Stirring frequently while cooking the orzo is important to prevent sticking or burning.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/creamy-chicken-and-orzo-recipe/