Description
Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting and delicious one-pan dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich cheddar cheese sauce with tender orzo pasta and fresh spinach. This easy 30-minute recipe combines savory flavors with a creamy texture, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta
- ½ pound orzo pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾ inch pieces, patted dry
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup sweet yellow onion, small diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground thyme
- 21 ounce condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ cup chopped baby spinach, stems removed, lightly packed
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions for about 9-11 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the orzo and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and then the chicken pieces seasoned with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook the chicken for 7-9 minutes until lightly golden and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter, diced onions, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions are tender and the garlic is fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add Spices and Broth: Stir in the chicken broth, dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the broth begins to bubble.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Add the condensed cheddar cheese soup and whole milk. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and well combined, creating a creamy base.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Stir the reserved orzo into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Then, add the cooked chicken pieces and chopped spinach. Stir everything gently just until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy chicken orzo immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
- Rinsing the orzo after cooking helps prevent it from sticking together in the sauce.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese soup with homemade cheese sauce for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the seasoning towards the end to suit your taste preference.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
