Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
