Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and fresh spinach with creamy sauce and tender orzo pasta. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both hearty and fresh.

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

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the orzo, cherry tomatoes, and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, according to the orzo package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, and spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted and the sauce becomes creamy.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if using.

Tips & Variations

• For a lower-fat option, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat.
• Swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different protein choice.
• Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, though orzo works best because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce well. Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells can be good substitutes.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is cooked through when it is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking it until golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside is a good visual cue.

Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 243 reviews

This Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breast, delicate orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes in a rich, creamy sauce infused with oregano. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together quickly on the stovetop.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Pasta

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup orzo pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup spinach, packed

Liquids and Fat

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Garnish

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté them in the skillet until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Cook the orzo with tomatoes: Add the orzo pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook according to the orzo package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Add cream and spinach: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, and packed spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
5. Combine chicken and adjust seasoning: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy chicken orzo hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Using fresh oregano instead of dried will intensify the herbaceous flavor.
• You can add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, sprinkle red pepper flakes in step 2 while cooking the garlic.
• This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Orzo, Mediterranean chicken recipe, one-pan chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy chicken pasta with spinach and tomatoes