This creamy chicken and orzo skillet is one of my go-to weeknight dinners when I want something warm, comforting, and easy-with minimal cleanup.
Everything cooks in one pan in just 30 minutes, and it's packed with juicy chicken, tender mushrooms, and creamy pasta that the whole family loves.
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Ingredients
- Chicken thighs - I prefer thighs for extra flavor, but chicken breast works too.
- Orzo pasta - A rice-shaped pasta that cooks fast. You can sub with small shells or cooked rice.
- Mushrooms - White or cremini mushrooms add so much depth.
- Baby spinach - Stirred in at the end for extra nutrients.
- Heavy cream - For that creamy, cozy finish. Use coconut cream for dairy-free.
- Italian seasoning + paprika - For an easy flavor boost.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Chicken Orzo
- Season the chicken: Cut into chunks, then toss with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a little oil.
- Brown the chicken: Sear in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
- Sauté the mushrooms: Add oil to the same pan, cook mushrooms for a few minutes until golden. Season and set half aside for later.
- Toast the orzo: Add dry orzo, garlic, and seasonings to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute to toast slightly.
- Simmer the pasta: Pour in broth and simmer 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
- Add spinach and cream: Stir in the spinach and let it wilt, then pour in heavy cream and stir until creamy.
- Finish and serve: Return chicken and mushrooms to the pan. Stir to warm through. Garnish with basil and serve! Love orzo? Try this one pan beef orzo next!
Tips
- Use boneless thighs for the juiciest chicken, but breasts work in a pinch.
- Don't rinse orzo-you want the starch to help thicken the sauce.
- Add broth gradually if the orzo starts sticking or looks dry.
- No orzo? Use cooked rice, pearl couscous, or even ditalini pasta.
- Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when toasting the orzo.
- To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Add a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes-skip the chicken and double the mushrooms or toss in chickpeas.
- What kind of pan should I use? A large nonstick or enameled skillet works best.
- Can I meal prep this? Yes, it reheats really well for lunch the next day.
- Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon before serving to brighten the flavor.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Freeze. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months (note: the texture may be softer after thawing). - To Reheat. Microwave or heat on the stove with a little extra liquid until hot.
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Recipe Card
Creamy One-Pot Chicken Orzo with Mushrooms
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken: Cut into chunks, then toss with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a little oil.¾ teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Brown the chicken: Sear in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
- Sauté the mushrooms: Add oil to the same pan, cook mushrooms for a few minutes until golden. Season and set half aside for later.8 ounces cremini mushrooms, salt and pepper, 1 tablespoons olive oil
- Toast the orzo: Add dry orzo, garlic, and seasonings to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute to toast slightly.1 cup dry orzo pasta, 1 tablespoons minced garlic, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Simmer the pasta: Pour in broth and simmer 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.2 cups chicken broth
- Add spinach and cream: Stir in the spinach and let it wilt, then pour in heavy cream and stir until creamy.5 ounces fresh baby spinach, ½ cup heavy cream
- Finish and serve: Return chicken and mushrooms to the pan. Stir to warm through. Garnish with herbs and serve!
- If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review below!
Nutrition
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Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
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