Chicken Orzo Pasta
This Creamy Chicken Orzo Pasta is a one-pot recipe perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a side dish for a get-together. It’s easy to make and comes together in less than 30 minutes, and in one pot!
Servings: 4
Calories: 566kcal
Equipment
- 1 Dutch Oven Or heavy bottom pan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter salted or unsalted
- ½ medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 ¾ cups orzo pasta about 11 ounces
- 2 cups chicken stock plus more as needed
- 1 ⅓ cups milk not nonfat
- ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 4 oz. roughly chopped baby spinach optional
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley optional
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven and cook for about 30 seconds until the butter melts. Stir in the onion and let it cook until it softens. Add the garlic and cook for about a minute.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes just in the oil so that it starts to toast lightly; this will give it a nutty flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the chicken broth and milk. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a medium-low, cover with a lid and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and test for doneness. If orzo is tender, stir in the chicken, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and fresh parsley, if using. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Notes
- Half or double this recipe as needed.
- Add extra vegetables if desired. Frozen peas (add frozen peas when adding parmesan at the end), cooked asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or cooked mushrooms to this dish.
- Swap cooked chicken for sausage or shrimp as an option.
- Add red pepper flakes if you like your pasta with a kick of heat.
- Add another layer of flavor with a splash of lemon juice.
- Store this pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 566kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 630mg | Potassium: 726mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3051IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 211mg | Iron: 3mg
