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Best Orzo Dinner Recipe

Creamy chicken orzo dinner recipe with spinach and artichoke hearts.
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This one-pot creamy chicken orzo is a weeknight lifesaver. It combines tender chicken, artichokes, and spinach in a rich, lemony sauce for a comforting meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Zest and juice of ½ a lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear the chicken in olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season with ½ tsp salt and pepper. Cook until browned, then remove.
  2. Add diced onion to the pot and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the dry orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add remaining ½ tsp salt and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the seared chicken, artichoke hearts, and spinach. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and vegan Parmesan. Toasting the orzo first enhances its flavor. Always add the cheese off the heat to prevent graininess.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/best-orzo-dinner-recipe/