One-Pan Creamy Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken Recipe

If you love simple and cozy meals that taste like restaurant food, this Creamy Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken will be your new favorite dish.

It’s a one-pan recipe that’s perfect for busy nights but still special enough to make for guests. The creamy sauce, soft chicken, and tasty mushrooms mix perfectly with the smooth orzo pasta — and cleaning up is super easy.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken

There are many reasons to love this dish, and once you try it, you’ll know why it’s a favorite in many homes.

• It’s cooked in one pan, so there’s less mess and easy cleanup.
• The creamy texture and rich flavor make it taste special but still healthy.
• It’s full of protein and loaded with fresh vegetables.
• You can easily change it up with your favorite add-ins or swaps.
• It reheats perfectly, so it’s great for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple and common ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.

1. Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work best.
2. Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks fast.
3. Mushrooms: Cremini, baby bella, or white button mushrooms add rich and earthy taste.
4. Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, health, and freshness.
5. Onion and Garlic: These give the dish a strong and tasty flavor base.
6. Olive Oil and Butter: Used for cooking and adding smooth richness.
7. Chicken Broth: Gives flavor and helps the orzo cook perfectly.
8. Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce creamy and smooth (use half-and-half for a lighter version).
9. Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a salty and deep flavor.
10. Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs bring all the flavors together.

How to Make Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken

1. Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, melt a little butter. Add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, and cook until soft and lightly brown. Mix in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it smells nice.

3. Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo to the pan and stir for 1–2 minutes. Toasting the orzo gives it a light nutty flavor that makes the dish taste even better.

4. Simmer in Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and let it slowly simmer. Stir sometimes as the orzo cooks and soaks up the liquid, about 8–10 minutes.

5. Add the Cream and Spinach

When the orzo is soft and most of the broth is gone, lower the heat. Add the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce turns creamy.

6. Combine and Serve

Slice the cooked chicken and put it back into the pan. Stir well until everything is warm. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Orzo

• Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt smoothly.
• Don’t overcook the orzo: Keep it al dente so it holds its shape and soft bite.
• Add lemon juice: A small splash of lemon makes the creamy sauce taste fresh and bright.
• Stir often: Orzo can stick to the bottom of the pan, so keep stirring while it cooks.
• Adjust thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more broth or cream to make it smooth.

Delicious Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is very flexible and easy to change. Try these simple variations to make it more fun and tasty:

• Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy and rich flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Orzo: Add extra garlic and parmesan for a strong, cheesy taste.
• Vegetarian Option: Leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth for a lighter dish.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a little cayenne for some heat.
• Protein Boost: Mix in cooked white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.

What to Serve with Spinach Mushroom Orzo

This dish tastes amazing on its own, but you can make the meal even better with a few simple sides:

• Warm crusty garlic bread or soft focaccia
• A fresh garden salad with light vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
• A glass of cool white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

If you like planning meals early, this dish stores and reheats very well.

• Refrigerate: Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm it slowly on the stove with a little broth or cream to make the sauce smooth again.
• Freeze: For the best texture, freeze it without the spinach or cream. Add them fresh when you reheat the dish.

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