Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Orzo

This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Orzo is a comforting one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and plenty of garlic.

The orzo cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing the chicken stock and seasonings while releasing enough starch to create a naturally creamy texture. There is no need to prepare a separate sauce or boil the pasta in another pot, which makes this recipe particularly useful for busy weeknight dinners.

Sun-dried tomatoes add a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, while fresh spinach keeps the dish colorful and balanced. Finished with Parmesan and a little lemon juice, it is rich without becoming overly heavy.

Recipe Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Orzo

Servings

4

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 600 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Creamy Orzo

• 250 g orzo pasta
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 80 g sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 700 ml chicken stock
• 150 ml double cream
• 80 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 120 g fresh baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan
• Lemon wedges

Preparation

Cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces.

Place it in a bowl and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on the outside.

The chicken does not need to be completely cooked at this stage because it will finish cooking with the orzo.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the chopped onion to the same pan and cook for three to four minutes until softened.

Stir in the garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and chili flakes if using.

Stir in the dry orzo and cook for one minute, allowing it to absorb the flavors in the pan.

Pour in the chicken stock and stir well, scraping any golden pieces from the bottom of the pan.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Return the chicken and any juices from the plate to the pan.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently so that the orzo does not stick.

If the mixture becomes too dry before the pasta is tender, add a little extra chicken stock or hot water.

Once the orzo is almost cooked, pour in the cream.

Add the grated Parmesan and stir until melted into the sauce.

Add the fresh spinach in handfuls, stirring after each addition until wilted.

Cook for another two or three minutes, until the chicken is completely cooked and the sauce is rich and creamy.

Finish with fresh lemon juice.

Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Allow the dish to rest for approximately three minutes before serving. The orzo will continue absorbing some of the sauce as it sits.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Variations

This recipe can easily be adapted.

Try adding:

• Sliced mushrooms
• Roasted red peppers
• Broccoli
• Courgette
• Green peas
• Artichoke hearts

You can also replace the chicken with prawns, turkey, or salmon.

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable stock, mushrooms, and extra spinach.

If you prefer a lighter sauce, replace the double cream with single cream or use an additional splash of stock.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken orzo with:

• Garlic bread
• Mixed green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Tomato and cucumber salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Grilled asparagus

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Orzo delivers the comfort of a creamy pasta dish without requiring several pots or complicated preparation.

Tender chicken, silky orzo, Parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes come together in a flavorful one-pan meal that can be ready in around 45 minutes. It is particularly good served immediately, while the sauce is creamy and the orzo is still perfectly tender.