Description
Make this creamy One Pot Chicken Orzo for an easy, comforting meal! Juicy chicken, tender asparagus, spinach, and Parmesan orzo come together in a delicious one-pan dinner.
Ingredients
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1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cubed into 1″ pieces
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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½ cup yellow onion, chopped (about ½ a medium onion)
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2 cups fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
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8 ounces dry orzo
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2½ cups chicken broth (low or no salt)
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2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
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â…“ cup half-and-half (or milk)
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â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups fresh spinach
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Chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
Step 1
In a small bowl, toss the cubed chicken with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large high-sided pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
Step 3
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the asparagus and sauté for about 2 minutes, until just tender but still crisp.
Transfer the asparagus to the bowl with the chicken.
Step 4
Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and orzo, cooking for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is lightly toasted.
Step 5
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits.
Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 6
Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
Step 7
Remove the lid and stir in the cooked chicken, asparagus, half-and-half, Parmesan, spinach, and thyme.
Cook for 1–2 minutes more until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
Step 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.