🍳DailyRecipes
Dinner

Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo

A quick, comforting one pot dinner featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pasta in a creamy garlic sauce.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· July 15, 2026
Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Total
35 minutes
Serves
4

I love one pot dinners, especially during the busy warmer months when you want something that tastes incredible but does not leave you with a sink full of dishes. This creamy chicken orzo is one of my absolute favorites because it feels fancy enough for a weekend dinner but comes together fast enough for a busy Tuesday night.

The secret to getting this dish just right is letting the pasta toast slightly in the pan before adding the liquid. This adds a wonderful, nutty depth to the flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich cream and fresh spinach. Grab a loaf of warm, crusty bread and dinner is served.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

  2. 2

    In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium and add the chopped onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add the dry orzo directly to the skillet. Stir it around with the onions and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, letting the pasta toast slightly.

  4. 4

    Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta does not stick to the bottom, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

  5. 5

    Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken and any juices back to the skillet, then fold in the fresh baby spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and everything is creamy and hot.

  6. 6

    Remove from the heat and season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat it, splash in a little milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and make it perfectly creamy again.

#dinner#one pot#chicken#pasta#easy meals

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