Name: Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup spinach, packed; 1 cup chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

This Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal full of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious creamy sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. The combination of orzo pasta and fresh ingredients brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table.

A white bowl filled with a creamy orzo pasta dish showing small, golden yellow pasta shaped like rice grains soaked in a light cream sauce with bits of green spinach mixed in. On top, there are four pieces of browned, grilled chicken placed equally around the edge of the pasta, each with grill marks and sprinkled with green herbs. In the center of the dish, a small heap of chopped green parsley adds a fresh pop of color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with soft natural light highlighting the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup spinach, packed
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the orzo, cherry tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook according to the orzo packaging instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.
Step 4: Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, and spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 5: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stirring to combine everything. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

Add sun-dried tomatoes along with the cherry tomatoes for a richer flavor.
Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be added for extra freshness.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and maintain creaminess. Reheat gently over medium-low heat or in a microwave, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy orzo pasta mixed with green spinach and small pieces of red onion, the orzo is coated in a smooth, light yellow sauce. On top, there are several grilled chicken pieces with a golden brown color and slight charring, sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs. In the center of the bowl, a small pile of finely chopped parsley adds a bright green color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, making the colors of the dish stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous, small shells, or even quinoa can be used, but cooking times may vary. Adjust liquid amounts accordingly to ensure the pasta cooks properly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly. For best results, freeze without adding the cream. Thaw and reheat, then stir in fresh cream before serving.