Creamy Chicken Orzo

Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-skillet dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast, buttery orzo pasta, and baby spinach come together in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce for a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A hearty, filling dish made in just one skillet.

• Ready in only 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.

• Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor without being complicated.

• Balanced with protein, pasta, and vegetables all in one dish.

• Easy to customize with extra veggies or different seasonings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ pound orzo pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch pieces

• ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for 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)

• ¼ cup whole milk

• ½ cup chopped baby spinach, stems removed

• Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional garnish)

Directions

1. Cook orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions (9–11 minutes). Drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 7–9 minutes until golden and no longer pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, onion, and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until tender and fragrant.

4. Stir in chicken broth, dried mustard, paprika, and thyme. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. Add cheddar cheese soup and milk, stirring until smooth.

6. Stir in the cooked orzo until fully coated. Add chicken and spinach, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.

7. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

• Calories: about 545 kcal per serving

Variations

• Swap spinach with kale or broccoli for a different veggie boost.

• Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

• Use shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack in place of cheddar soup for a different cheesy flavor.

• Stir in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.

• Make it lighter by using reduced-fat cheddar soup and low-fat milk.

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent the pasta from drying out.

• This dish is not ideal for freezing as the creamy sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Yes, just skip the cooking step and stir in the chicken when combining everything at the end.

Do I need to rinse the orzo after cooking?

Yes, rinsing helps stop the cooking process and prevents it from sticking together before adding it to the sauce.

Can I use another pasta shape?

Small pastas like ditalini or small shells work well if you don’t have orzo.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese soup?

Yes, you can make a simple cheese sauce with shredded cheddar and a roux if preferred.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy flavor makes it a hit with both kids and adults.

How do I make it spicier?

Add chili powder, cayenne, or diced jalapeños for a kick.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute gluten-free orzo and check that your soup and broth are gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can cook the orzo and chicken ahead, then combine with the sauce just before serving for the best texture.

How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?

Add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to keep it smooth and prevent drying out.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Orzo is a rich and comforting dish that’s both simple and satisfying. With tender chicken, cheesy orzo, and fresh spinach, it’s a complete meal in just one skillet. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers comfort food at its best.

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