Description

This 30-Minute, One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo is the perfect weeknight comfort meal. Tender, seasoned chicken is paired with creamy orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and flavorful basil pesto—all cooked in a single pan for easy preparation and cleanup. Rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this family-friendly dinner comes together in just half an hour, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lb (680 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
5 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz (280 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups chicken stock
¼ teaspoon salt
5 oz (140 g) fresh spinach
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup basil pesto

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet.
Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast for 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken stock and add ¼ teaspoon salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto until fully combined.
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
Toss everything together and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for extra flavor and tenderness.
Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
Add a splash of extra chicken stock if the mixture becomes too thick.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes an excellent garnish.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pan / Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1¼ cups
Calories: 560 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 670 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 47 g
Cholesterol: 135 mg

Keywords: 30-minute dinner, one-pan chicken orzo, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner