Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty dish that combines protein, vegetables, and pasta in a creamy sauce, this one-pot chicken orzo recipe is perfect for you! With tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and comforting orzo, it’s a satisfying meal that your whole family will enjoy. It’s quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 onion, diced
250g (8 oz) chicken thigh or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 1/2 cups frozen diced vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn, capsicum/peppers)
1 1/2 cups orzo (risoni), uncooked
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
2 1/4 cups milk (any fat percentage)
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock/broth (low sodium)
3 cups baby spinach, packed
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon cooking salt (kosher salt)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For serving:
Additional parmesan cheese
Parsley or chives, if desired
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan over high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and diced onion; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken pieces; cook for 2 minutes until seared on the outside but still raw inside.
4. Add frozen diced vegetables and flour; stir until flour is incorporated.
5. Add uncooked orzo, milk, and stock; stir well.
6. Bring to a simmer, then adjust heat to maintain a gentle bubble.
7. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is almost tender (the mixture will still be quite soupy at this stage).
8. Add baby spinach, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper; stir until spinach is wilted.
9. The consistency should be like a loose risotto, creamy and slightly soupy.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan and parsley or chives if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Heat the pan
Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan over high heat until it shimmers.
2. Cook garlic and onion
Add minced garlic and diced onion to the pan; cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Sear the chicken
Add the cut chicken pieces to the pan; cook for 2 minutes until they are seared on the outside but still raw in the center.
4. Add vegetables and flour
Incorporate frozen diced vegetables and flour into the pan; stir until the flour is fully mixed in.
5. Combine orzo, milk, and stock
Pour in the uncooked orzo, milk, and chicken or vegetable stock; stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Bring to a simmer
Increase heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, then adjust to maintain a gentle bubble.
7. Cook the orzo
Allow the mixture to cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost tender. The mixture will still be quite soupy at this stage.
8. Incorporate spinach and cheese
Add the baby spinach, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper; stir until the spinach is wilted and all ingredients are well combined.
9. Check consistency
The final consistency should resemble a loose risotto, creamy and slightly soupy.
10. Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
Ingredient adjustments
Feel free to swap out the vegetables for any of your favorites or whatever is in season.
Chicken alternatives
Both chicken thighs and breast can be used interchangeably; just ensure they are fully cooked before serving.
Storing leftovers
Store any leftover dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Vegan option
For a vegan version, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas, use plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sauté the garlic and onion in olive oil over high heat to release their flavors and enhance the dish’s aroma.
Sealing Meat
Quickly sear the chicken pieces to lock in moisture and flavor before adding other ingredients. This gives the chicken a nice golden exterior.
Incorporating Flour
Adding flour when cooking vegetables helps to thicken the dish. Make sure to stir it well to avoid clumps.
Simmering
Bringing the mixture to a simmer allows the flavors to meld and the orzo to cook evenly. Maintain a gentle bubble for the best results.
Addition of Greens
Stir in baby spinach at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and nutritional value while ensuring it wilts just enough.
Cheese Incorporation
Adding grated parmesan cheese will give the dish a creamy texture and rich flavor. Stir until fully melted for best results.
FAQ
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, but you may need to adjust cooking times to ensure they are tender.
What can I substitute for orzo?
You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even quinoa.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop.
Can I add different proteins?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, tofu, or other cuts of chicken to suit your taste preferences.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives, like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, to make the dish gluten-free.
Conclusion
This creamy orzo dish, packed with chicken and vegetables, offers a comforting and nutritious meal option that is easy to prepare. The combination of flavors from the garlic, onion, and parmesan creates a delightful taste, making it perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals. With its rich consistency and vibrant colors, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick in your orzo dish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Incorporate different proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, in place of chicken for variety.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Experiment with various frozen vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, to customize the dish to your taste.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Top with a dollop of pesto before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
