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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh spinach Gathering the right ingredients is key for this recipe. First, you need chicken thighs. I love using boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy. Next, grab orzo pasta. It cooks up fast and adds a nice texture. You'll also want low-sodium chicken broth. This keeps the dish from being too salty. For flavor, garlic is a must. I use four cloves, minced. Dried Italian herbs really boost the taste. Don't forget salt and pepper to make it pop. Now, for the creamy part. Heavy cream gives this dish its rich flavor. I also add grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. It wilts down nicely and blends well with the cream. With these ingredients, you create a tasty, one-pot meal that feels fancy but is so easy to make. 1. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the chopped chicken thighs to the pot. 3. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken. 4. Sauté the chicken until it turns golden and cooks through, about 6 to 8 minutes. 5. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. 1. In the same pot, add the minced garlic. 2. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great. 3. Next, add the orzo pasta, stirring it well to coat with the garlic and oil. 4. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a boil. 5. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is al dente and most liquid is gone. 1. Stir in the heavy cream and the dried Italian herbs. Mix well to combine. 2. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. 3. Add in the fresh spinach and the grated Parmesan cheese. 4. Stir everything until the spinach wilts and all ingredients blend together. 5. Adjust the taste with more salt and pepper if needed. 6. Remove the pot from heat and get ready to serve! To make this dish great, focus on the right consistency. You want the sauce creamy but not too thick. The heavy cream creates a rich sauce that clings to the orzo. If it feels too thick, just add a splash of broth to loosen it up. Cooking orzo to al dente is key. This means it should be firm when you bite into it. Cook it in the broth until most of the liquid is gone. Stir often to prevent sticking. It usually takes about 10-12 minutes. You can try different herbs and spices. Instead of dried Italian herbs, use fresh basil or thyme for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick too. Adding more vegetables can boost nutrition. Try mixing in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also add peas or zucchini for color and crunch. These veggies will blend well with the chicken and orzo. Garnishing with parsley makes the dish pop. Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top before serving. This adds color and freshness. For serving suggestions, pair this dish with a simple side salad or crusty bread. A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance the rich flavors. If you want something heartier, garlic bread complements the dish well. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish to fit your taste. - Using chicken breast instead of thighs: Chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat. Just make sure to cook it until it’s no longer pink. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. - Adding shrimp or sausage: Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Sausage gives a rich taste. Slice it and add it with the garlic for a nice sizzle. Making this dish fit your dietary needs is simple. - Making it gluten-free: Swap out the orzo for a gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Just be sure to adjust cooking times, as gluten-free pasta may cook faster. - Vegetarian adaptations: To make it vegetarian, leave out the chicken. You can add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full flavor. You can play with the flavors to keep it exciting. - Creamy tomato orzo: For a twist, add a cup of crushed tomatoes with the broth. This gives a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the cream. - Spicy garlic butter orzo: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. This adds a nice kick to the dish without overpowering it. To store leftovers of your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps air out and helps it stay fresh. I suggest using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They are safe and easy to clean. You can freeze single servings of the dish. Just scoop portions into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for the orzo to expand. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. In the fridge, this dish lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. This way, you can enjoy your tasty meal safely! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. To do this, cook the chicken and orzo as directed. After mixing in the cream and cheese, let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the orzo creamy and delicious. This dish pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. Roasted vegetables offer a nice balance. Garlic bread or crusty rolls can complement it well too. Choose sides that enhance the creamy flavors of the dish. To check if the orzo is cooked, taste a piece. It should be tender yet firm—what we call al dente. You should not see any excess water in the pot. If you need more time, stir it and let it cook a little longer. The orzo will absorb flavors and thicken the dish. This blog post gives you a complete guide to make One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo. You learned about the key ingredients, from chicken thighs to creamy spinach. The step-by-step instructions make cooking easy. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and variations to spice things up. Remember, you can store leftovers for later. Understanding these details makes meal prep simple and fun. Enjoy your cooking journey and feel free to try new flavors. The kitchen is your playground!

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo

Indulge in a delightful dinner with this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo! This easy recipe features tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich garlic-infused sauce with orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and Parmesan, all in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight! Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how easy it is to create comforting meals everyone will love. Don’t miss out on this delicious dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh spinach

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring to coat it in the garlic and oil, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

        Stir in the heavy cream and dried Italian herbs, mixing well. Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is combined.

          Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired, then remove from heat.

            Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4