One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and downright easy dinner, you’ve got to try this One Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and vibrant ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all cooked together in a single skillet. The magic lies in how each component melds together, giving you a rich, creamy texture with bursts of freshness, all in under an hour. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite weeknight meals to serve again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this One Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of taste and texture without complicating the cooking process. From herbs and spices that enhance the chicken to the creamy Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes adding depth and color, the simplicity of these essentials is key to the dish’s soul-satisfying flavor.

• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Provides a fruit-forward richness ideal for searing chicken and sautéing aromatics.
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or small thighs: Your protein star that stays juicy and tender when seared and baked.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds fragrant, savory notes to the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For an extra layer of garlic flavor that infuses without overpowering.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful warm hue to the chicken.
• Kosher salt to taste: Balances flavors and helps season the dish perfectly.
• Black pepper to taste: Adds just the right amount of bite and warmth.
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives richness and helps soften onions to bring out their sweetness.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Builds a savory base with delicate sweetness throughout the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated: Fresh garlic brings the signature aromatic pop everyone loves.
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta: The tiny, rice-shaped pasta perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
• 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable): Adds depth and moisture, forming the creamy sauce for the orzo.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture that coats every bite.
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings savory umami and richness that elevates the whole dish.
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh, slightly earthy taste.
• 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained: Infuses bursts of tangy sweetness and chewy texture.
• Juice of 1 lemon: A bright finishing touch that cuts through the cream and uplifts flavors.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Offers a pop of green freshness and a mild herbal note to finish.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Orzo

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Take your chicken breasts or thighs and rub them with the remaining olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning mix packs a ton of flavor. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken and sear each side until beautifully golden—around 3 to 5 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and builds the flavor foundation for your One Pot Chicken and Orzo. Once perfectly browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Toast the Orzo

In the same pan, melt the butter and add the finely chopped onion. Let it cook gently until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and dry orzo, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the orzo starts to turn a lovely light golden. Toasting the orzo is such a game-changer because it gives the pasta a nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy later.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo in Broth

Pour in your broth—chicken or vegetable works great—and bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Let it cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, the orzo will start absorbing the broth and soften, beginning to form the base of that rich, creamy texture you crave in One Pot Chicken and Orzo.

Step 4: Add Cream, Cheese, Vegetables, and Return the Chicken

Next, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, which combine to create a silky sauce. Toss in the fresh baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring just until the spinach wilts to preserve its vibrant green color and slight tender crunch. Now nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, allowing it to marry with all these flavors and soak up the rich sauce.

Step 5: Finish Cooking in the Oven

Cover the skillet and either let it cook on the stovetop for 8 to 10 minutes or transfer it uncovered to a 400°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This final step ensures the chicken cooks through perfectly while the orzo continues to absorb the sauce, making every bite creamy and flavorful. The result is melt-in-your-mouth chicken paired with luscious orzo all in one pan.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Orzo

Garnishes

Brighten up your dish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the chicken right before serving—it adds a fresh, zesty contrast that balances the creamy richness beautifully. Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a lively green touch and a subtle herbal aroma that makes the dish feel fresh and vibrant.

Side Dishes

Since One Pot Chicken and Orzo is such a complete meal, you really don’t need much on the side. However, a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables would make perfect companions. They add crunch and freshness that complements the creamy, tender orzo and chicken perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lovely presentation, serve the chicken on top of the orzo, garnished with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese if you want to dial up the indulgence. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of quality olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes adds a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers of One Pot Chicken and Orzo in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more comforting. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain food quality.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying out the chicken or orzo.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or a different pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo’s small size and creamy texture are central to the dish, but you can experiment with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or Israeli couscous. Brown rice could work but will require longer cooking and won’t absorb the sauce quite the same.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil and replace heavy cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream and nutritional yeast. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be rich and delicious.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Using bone-in chicken might add great flavor but will increase cooking time. You’ll need to adjust how long the chicken cooks in the skillet and oven to ensure it’s fully done and tender.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries! You can cook the chicken and orzo on the stovetop, then transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish for the final oven step. Just be sure to cover the dish to keep it moist.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onions and garlic to boost the veggie content. Just sauté them until tender before adding the orzo and broth.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Chicken and Orzo perfectly blends convenience, comfort, and rich flavor in a single dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. Its creamy texture, bright pops from sun-dried tomatoes and lemon, and the ease of cooking everything in one pan make it a recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Give it a go tonight—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!