Spinach Chicken Orzo Skillet: A Delicious & Easy One-Pan Meal

Spinach chicken orzo skillet: Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner! Imagine tender, juicy chicken nestled amongst perfectly cooked orzo pasta, vibrant spinach, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your family begging for seconds.

Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, has a rich history, particularly in Italian and Greek cuisine. It’s often used in soups, salads, and, as we’re doing today, hearty skillet dishes. Its versatility and delightful texture make it a beloved ingredient worldwide.

What makes this spinach chicken orzo skillet so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and healthy eating. The creamy sauce, often made with a touch of Parmesan or cream cheese, provides a luxurious richness that complements the earthy spinach and savory chicken. But beyond the taste, it’s incredibly convenient. This one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s easily customizable – feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own. Get ready to experience a dish that’s both delicious and practical!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Orzo Skillet:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
• 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This step is crucial for flavorful chicken!
2. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. We’ll add it back in later.

Building the Orzo Skillet:

1. Now, let’s build the base of our orzo skillet. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet you used for the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Add the chopped red bell pepper and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bell pepper is tender-crisp and the mushrooms have released their moisture and browned slightly. Stir occasionally.
5. Stir in the dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. This will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
6. Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
7. Pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the orzo is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
8. While the orzo is cooking, make sure your spinach is thawed and squeezed dry. Getting rid of the excess water is important to prevent a watery skillet.

Bringing it All Together:

1. Once the orzo is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in the thawed and squeezed dry spinach. Make sure the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the orzo.
3. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the orzo and spinach.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and create a creamy, delicious sauce.
5. If you want to add extra richness, stir in the heavy cream (optional). This will make the skillet even more decadent.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian herbs to your liking.

Serving:

1. Garnish the spinach chicken orzo skillet with fresh chopped parsley.
2. Serve immediately. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch.
3. This dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as zucchini, carrots, or peas.
• Use different protein: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese variations: Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or feta.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the orzo skillet ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Broth substitution: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well. You can even use water in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
• Spinach alternatives: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard instead. Just make sure to chop them finely and cook them until tender.
• Lemon zest: A little lemon zest brightens up the flavors of the dish. Add about a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the Parmesan cheese.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Add about 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Add them along with the bell peppers and mushrooms.
• Wine addition: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the onions and garlic. This will add a layer of complexity to the dish. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the bell peppers and mushrooms.
• Cream cheese: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese along with the Parmesan cheese.
• Pesto: Stir in a spoonful of pesto at the end for a vibrant and flavorful twist.
• Nutritional yeast: For a cheesy flavor without the dairy, add a couple of tablespoons of nutritional yeast. This is a great option for vegan or dairy-free diets.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as fresh basil, oregano, or thyme. Add them at the end for the best flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Spinach Chicken Orzo Skillet!

Conclusion:

This Spinach Chicken Orzo Skillet isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, from the tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo to the vibrant spinach and creamy sauce, every bite is a little piece of culinary heaven. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and relatively quick to prepare, then trust me, this is it. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for those picky eaters in your life.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. Not a fan of spinach? Try kale or Swiss chard instead. Want to add a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. Need a gluten-free option? Simply swap out the orzo for a gluten-free alternative like rice or quinoa. The possibilities are truly endless!

And speaking of possibilities, let’s talk serving suggestions. This Spinach Chicken Orzo Skillet is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into that delicious sauce. For a more complete meal, consider adding some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. And if you happen to have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), they’re just as amazing the next day for lunch. You can even pack it in a thermos for a warm and comforting meal on the go.

Here are a few variations to get your creative juices flowing:

Variations to Try:

* Mediterranean Twist: Add some sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
* Lemon Herb: Brighten up the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or oregano.
* Creamy Pesto: Stir in a spoonful of pesto at the end for a burst of fresh basil flavor.
* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* Mushroom Lovers: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy flavor.

I’m so confident that you’re going to love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! So, grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. After all, cooking should be fun and enjoyable!

Once you’ve tried this Spinach Chicken Orzo Skillet, I’d love for you to share your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Post a picture on social media and tag me, or leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking! I hope this becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. It’s a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!