Creamy One-Pan Chicken Orzo: The Ultimate Cozy Weeknight Dinner

If you’re searching for a dinner that feels indulgent but fits into your busy week, Creamy One-Pan Chicken Orzo is your new go-to recipe. It’s rich, comforting, packed with flavor, and best of all — it’s made in just one pan. That means fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and more time to enjoy your evening.

This dish combines tender seared chicken, silky orzo pasta, garlic, herbs, and a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every bite. Think of it as the perfect hybrid between risotto and pasta — but easier, faster, and totally weeknight-friendly.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes: comforting, impressive, and simple.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Orzo

✔ One pan = minimal cleanup
✔ Ready in about 40 minutes
✔ Comfort-food creamy without being heavy
✔ Customizable with veggies, spices, and herbs
✔ Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

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Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional but recommended)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until soft.
4. Add garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in dry orzo and toast for 1 minute.
6. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
7. Add chicken back to the pan. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream and Parmesan.
9. Add spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
10. Simmer uncovered for 3–5 minutes until thick and creamy.
11. Garnish with herbs and serve hot.

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Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Orzo

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
• Toast the orzo first for deeper flavor
• Add broth slowly if it thickens too fast
• Fresh Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded
• Don’t overcook — orzo thickens as it sits

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Variations You’ll Love

• Tuscan Style – Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach
• Mushroom Lover’s – Add sautéed mushrooms
• Spicy Kick – Add Cajun seasoning + chili flakes
• Lemon Herb – Finish with lemon zest + thyme
• Cheesy Bake – Top with mozzarella and broil

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What to Serve With Chicken Orzo

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Cucumber tomato salad
• Crusty sourdough

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Storage & Meal Prep

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

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Fun Fact

Orzo means “barley” in Italian — even though it’s pasta! Its shape makes it perfect for creamy skillet meals like this one.

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Final Thoughts

Creamy One-Pan Chicken Orzo is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s cozy, fast, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become part of your regular dinner rotation.