Description
Creamy Chicken Orzo features seared, tender chicken and tiny orzo pasta coated in a silky cheddar sauce with sweet onion, garlic, and fresh baby spinach.
This comforting one skillet style dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- ½ pound orzo pasta, about 8 ounces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing the chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾ inch pieces and patted dry
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup sweet yellow onion, small diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground thyme
- 21 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted, about two 10.5-ounce cans
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ cup chopped baby spinach, stems removed, lightly packed
- fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes, optional garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the orzo, and cook 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with ¼ teaspoon of the salt and the black pepper in a bowl.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through to 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium, melt the butter in the same skillet, and cook the onion 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic, mustard, paprika, thyme, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the Soup and Milk: Lower the heat to low, then whisk in the condensed cheddar soup and milk until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add the Spinach: Stir the chopped baby spinach into the sauce for 1-2 minutes, until it wilts completely.
- Combine Everything: Add the drained orzo, the cooked chicken, and any juices from the plate to the skillet, then toss well. Simmer 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the orzo and thickens.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes