One Pot Spinach Artichoke Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This One Pot Spinach Artichoke Orzo with Chicken is a creamy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and tangy artichokes, it combines Italian flavors in an easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 16 ounces orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can quartered artichoke hearts (14 ounces, drained)
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Season evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and once hot, spread the chicken in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 3: Add orzo to the skillet, followed by chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender.
- Step 4: Stir in minced garlic, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, drained artichoke hearts, and fresh spinach. Cook, stirring regularly, until the spinach wilts and the cheeses are melted and well combined.
- Step 5: Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Swap chicken breast for cooked shrimp or sausage for a different protein option.
- Fresh baby spinach works best, but you can substitute with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken first before adding the orzo?
Yes, cooking the chicken separately ensures it is fully cooked and nicely browned, adding better flavor and texture to the dish.
PrintOne Pot Spinach Artichoke Orzo with Chicken Recipe
This One Pot Spinach Artichoke Orzo with Chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish combining tender chicken, fresh spinach, tangy artichoke hearts, and cheesy goodness all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers hearty Italian-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt (for chicken)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Orzo and Cooking Liquids
- 16 ounces orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
Cheeses and Veggies
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Season thoroughly with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, arrange the chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to sear, then stir and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stir gently, and bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, drained artichoke hearts, and fresh spinach. Continue to cook, stirring regularly, until the spinach wilts and the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce that coats the orzo and chicken evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling additional parmesan cheese and fresh cracked black pepper on top before serving warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a large skillet or a wide sauté pan with a lid to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Stir frequently during the orzo cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use less cream cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with frozen spinach if needed; just thaw and drain excess liquid before adding.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness.
Keywords: one pot meal, spinach artichoke, orzo pasta, creamy chicken, skillet dinner, easy weeknight dinner
