One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken and Orzo is the ultimate weeknight dinner savior. Imagine golden-seared chicken breasts nestled in a luxurious, garlicky parmesan sauce simmered with tender orzo pasta and vibrant fresh spinach—all cooked in a single skillet.
It’s comfort food that looks gourmet enough for company but comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
This rich dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some Easy Homemade Garlic Bread to soak up that incredible sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Minimal Cleanup: Everything happens in one large skillet. Less time washing dishes means more time relaxing.
Fast & Easy: From stovetop to table in just 30 minutes.
Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and cream creates a deeply satisfying sauce that coats every grain of orzo.
Balanced Meal: It packs protein (chicken), carbs (orzo), and veggies (spinach) into one dish.
The Science of Starchy Pasta Water
- Why do we cook the orzo directly in the sauce instead of boiling it separately?
- Emulsification: Unlike rice which we often rinse, pasta (like orzo) is coated in starch. By cooking it directly in the broth and cream, this starch is released into the liquid as it simmers. This natural starch helps thicken the sauce and emulsify the fats (cream/cheese) with the liquid (broth), creating a velvety, cohesive sauce that doesn’t separate.
Ingredients You Need
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), pounded thin for quick, even cooking.
- Orzo Pasta: Uncooked dried orzo.
- The Liquid: Chicken broth (low sodium helps control saltiness) and Heavy Cream for richness.
- Aromatics: Plenty of fresh garlic cloves (minced) and onion or shallot.
- Flavor Boosters: Grated Parmesan Cheese, dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Greens: Fresh baby spinach adds color and nutrients at the end.
- Oil/Butter: For searing the chicken.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken well with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be cooked all the way through yet). Remove chicken to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add a little butter to the same skillet. Sauté chopped onions until soft, scraping up browned bits from the chicken. Add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds.
Step 3: Simmer Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked orzo. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Once the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh spinach until wilted. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan. Cover and simmer for 2-3 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and hot. Serve immediately.
3 Mistakes That Ruin One-Pan Orzo
- Not Stirring: Orzo loves to stick to the bottom of the pan. You must stir it occasionally while it simmers to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Overcooking the Chicken: If you leave the chicken in the pan while the orzo boils for 10 minutes, it will dry out. Searing it first, removing it, and adding it back at the end ensures juicy meat.
- Using Milk Instead of Cream: While possible, using low-fat milk often leads to a thin sauce that might curdle. Heavy cream or half-and-half provides the necessary fat for a stable, creamy texture.
What to Serve with This Dish
Acid: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens up the rich flavors beautifully.
Bread: Essential for scooping up the sauce. Try Easy Homemade Garlic Bread.
One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Sear the ChickenSeason chicken well with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn't need to be cooked all the way through yet). Remove chicken to a plate.
- Step 2: Sauté AromaticsAdd a little butter to the same skillet. Sauté chopped onions until soft, scraping up browned bits from the chicken. Add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Simmer OrzoPour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked orzo. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom.
- Step 4: Finish the DishOnce the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh spinach until wilted. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan. Cover and simmer for 2-3 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and hot. Serve immediately.
Notes
