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- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil To create the best One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo, you need quality ingredients. Chicken breast adds lean protein, while orzo pasta brings a comforting texture. Fresh garlic and onion build a strong flavor base. Chicken broth keeps the dish moist and rich, and heavy cream adds creaminess. Spinach not only adds color but also boosts nutrition. Finally, olive oil helps cook the chicken and aromatics. - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Seasonings elevate the dish. Dried Italian herbs bring warmth and depth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making them pop. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish, while fresh parsley gives a bright touch. These garnishes not only taste good but also make your dish look great! - Cooking Chicken First, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper. I cook them for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Once cooked, I remove the chicken and set it aside. - Seasoning I make sure to season well with salt and pepper. This step adds great flavor to the dish. - Sautéing Onion In the same skillet, I add finely chopped onion. I cook it for about 3 minutes until it turns translucent. This makes the base for a rich flavor. - Adding Garlic Next, I add minced garlic to the onions. I stir for about 1 minute. The aroma fills the kitchen and makes me hungry! - Toasting Orzo Now, I add orzo pasta to the skillet. I stir it for about 2 minutes. This toasting step gives the orzo a nutty taste. - Simmering with Broth After toasting, I pour in chicken broth. I bring it to a simmer and cover the pan. I let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo should be nearly tender at this point. - Adding Cream and Herbs Once the orzo is almost done, I reduce the heat. I stir in heavy cream, dried Italian herbs, and spinach. Then, I add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. I mix everything well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Incorporating Spinach and Chicken The spinach wilts down nicely, adding color and nutrients. The chicken brings protein to the dish, making it hearty. - Melting Cheese I remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds richness to the dish. - Adjusting Seasoning Finally, I taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. - Best Pan for Cooking: Use a large skillet. A wide pan helps cook evenly. - Preventing Sticking: Stir often while cooking. This keeps the orzo and chicken from sticking. - Adjusting Seasoning for Taste: Always taste as you go. Add salt and pepper gradually. - Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs boost flavor. Choose ripe spinach for the best taste. - Meal Prep Ideas: Chop your onion and garlic in advance. This cuts down on prep time. - Quick Cleanup Solutions: Use a non-stick skillet. This makes washing up quick and easy. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try shrimp, turkey, or tofu. Each option adds a unique taste. If you choose shrimp, cook it for just a few minutes until pink. For turkey, use ground turkey and break it apart as it cooks. To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It gives a creamy texture without the dairy. You can also skip cheese or use a dairy-free cheese option. These choices keep it rich while fitting your needs. Feel free to add more veggies to this dish. Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini work well. Just chop them and add them when cooking the onion. They will soften and blend nicely with the orzo. You can change the flavor by using different spices. Try adding paprika or a pinch of chili flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also uplift the taste. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. To make this meal gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Check the package for cooking times, as they may vary from regular orzo. If you want a low-carb dish, replace orzo with cauliflower rice. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Just sauté it for a few minutes before adding the cream and chicken. This keeps your meal light and healthy. Refrigeration Guidelines You can store leftover One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing to avoid moisture build-up. Freezing Instructions If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Best Methods for Reheating Reheat your orzo in a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help it warm up evenly. Stir it often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave, but make sure to cover it to keep moisture in. Avoiding Soggy Orzo To avoid soggy orzo, do not add too much liquid when reheating. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. This will keep the texture just right and make your meal enjoyable again. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can. Other small pasta shapes like ditalini or fusilli work well. Adjust the cooking time based on the pasta used. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. How do I make this dish spicier? To add spice, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy sausage instead of chicken for a kick. Adjust the amount to match your heat preference. What if my chicken isn’t cooked through? If the chicken is not fully cooked, return it to the heat. Simmer the dish longer, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cut the chicken into smaller pieces to speed up cooking. How do I know when the orzo is done? Orzo is done when it is tender but still firm. Taste a piece to check for doneness. It should not be mushy. The cooking time is usually about 8-10 minutes. Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Add it when you stir in the cream and spinach. This will heat it through without overcooking. Is there a substitute for heavy cream? If you need a substitute for heavy cream, use half-and-half or coconut milk. Both will give a creamy texture. Adjust the flavor to your liking by adding a bit of cheese or seasoning. In this article, we explored a tasty dish made from simple ingredients like chicken, orzo, garlic, and herbs. I showed step-by-step instructions for cooking and mixing them perfectly. Remember the tips to enhance flavor and store leftovers well. Try the variations for new tastes, too. Cooking should be fun and easy, so don’t hesitate to experiment. Enjoy your meal, and let it bring comfort and joy to your kitchen!

One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo

Savor the deliciousness of this One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo! This simple yet indulgent recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and orzo pasta, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this dish is packed with flavor and made in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this hearty dish everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup spinach, chopped

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it for about 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is nearly tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, dried Italian herbs, spinach, and cooked chicken. Mix well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until creamy and heated through.

            Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.

              Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4