This creamy chicken orzo dish is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes, it’s a complete meal that’s super satisfying.
And let’s not forget the basil pesto that ties everything together—yum! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top. Who wouldn’t want extra flavor? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced chicken breast works best for quick cooking. You can swap it with turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are juicier.
Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta absorbs flavors well. If orzo isn’t available, you can use any small pasta like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free dish.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You can use kale or arugula as alternatives. Frozen spinach is okay too; just thaw and drain well.
Heavy Cream: This provides a rich creaminess. For a lighter option, use half-and-half, or for a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Adjust the amount based on your preference!
Basil Pesto: Store-bought pesto is convenient, but homemade is even better! If you’re avoiding nuts, make a nut-free version or swap it with sun-dried tomato paste for a twist.
How Do I Cook Orzo Perfectly?
Cooking orzo right is key to the dish’s texture. It needs to be tender yet firm (al dente). Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by toasting the orzo briefly in oil. This adds a nice nutty flavor!
- Once toasted, pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to bring it to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and occasionally stir to prevent sticking. It should take about 10 minutes to cook.
- Check for doneness by tasting; it should have a slight bite to it, which gives it great texture.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil Pesto
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy chicken orzo recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You will spend around 10 minutes on prep, and then about 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and tasty meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the sliced chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the pieces are coated well to pack in all that flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Toast the Orzo:
Now, in the same skillet, add the orzo pasta. Toast it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns a light golden color. This step adds a nice flavor to the pasta!
4. Add the Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer. Cook the orzo for about 10 minutes, or until it’s al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Mix in Cream and Pesto:
After the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Mix it until everything is well combined and creamy. Your kitchen should start smelling delicious at this point!
6. Add Spinach and Tomatoes:
Gently fold in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes into the orzo. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the spinach wilt and the tomatoes heat through. Everything should be looking vibrant and colorful!
7. Combine with Chicken:
Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the orzo mixture. Cook for another minute to heat the chicken through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the creamy chicken orzo immediately, and if you’d like, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even regular rice. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as some pasta varieties may require more or less time to cook.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you need a lighter option or don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream for a creamy texture. Use a 1:1 ratio, but remember it may not be as rich!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet and warm over medium heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so everything is tender but not overcooked. Add them to the skillet when you add the spinach and cherry tomatoes for best results.
