Go Back
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1 cup spinach leaves - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish The main ingredients form the backbone of this dish. The chicken thighs bring great flavor and tenderness. Orzo pasta adds a unique texture that absorbs the broth beautifully. The low-sodium chicken broth keeps the dish light yet rich in taste. Next, we have aromatics and seasoning. Garlic provides a punch of flavor. The onion adds sweetness and depth. Dried Italian herbs give a lovely aroma and warmth. These elements make the dish truly come alive. Now, let’s talk about additional components. Spinach adds color and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes bring a touch of sweetness and freshness. Grated Parmesan cheese gives that creamy, cheesy finish. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a pop of freshness. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors. Each bite will dance on your palate, making this Garlic Parmesan Orzo Chicken One-Pot Delight a must-try! - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. - Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute until fragrant. - Add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. - Brown the chicken on all sides for 5-7 minutes. - Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. - Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for about 10 minutes. - Keep stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and absorbs most of the broth. - Stir in 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. - Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes warm up. - Remove the pot from heat, and mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until creamy. - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. To make sure your orzo cooks just right, watch the clock. Cook it for about ten minutes. This gives it time to soak up the broth. Stir the orzo now and then. This stops it from sticking to the pot. Want to boost the taste? Try adding a splash of lemon juice. It adds brightness and freshness. Also, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts better and tastes richer than pre-grated. For a laid-back meal, serve straight from the pot. It looks homey and inviting. If you want a fancier touch, plate it individually. Add extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. This adds color and makes it look special. {{image_2}} When you want to mix things up, try these fun variations for Garlic Parmesan Orzo Chicken. - You can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. - Try different cuts of chicken, like breasts or drumsticks. Each cut offers a unique taste and texture. - Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for extra color and crunch. These veggies cook well and add flavor. - If you want a twist, use kale instead of spinach. Kale has a heartier taste and adds a nice bite. - For some heat, add crushed red pepper. It brightens the dish and gives it a spicy kick. - Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs bring a fresh aroma and depth of flavor. Feel free to get creative with these ideas! Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. It’s best to eat it within 3–4 days. After that, the flavors may fade. To freeze portions, let the dish cool completely. Then, scoop servings into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out the air and seal tightly. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of broth to restore creaminess. This will help bring back the rich flavor and texture. Stir well as it heats to ensure even warming. Yes, whole wheat orzo is a healthy alternative. It adds more fiber and nutrients. This change also gives a slightly nuttier taste, enhancing your dish. Substitute vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for Parmesan. Both options provide a cheesy flavor without dairy. Nutritional yeast is rich in vitamins, making it a smart choice. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. A fresh green salad balances the creamy dish well. Crusty bread can soak up any leftover sauce. Use gluten-free orzo and check broth for gluten-free certification. Many brands offer gluten-free options for orzo. Always read labels to ensure your choices are safe. In this blog post, we explored how to create a delicious Garlic Parmesan Orzo Chicken dish. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure perfect cooking. You learned about variations to personalize the recipe and storage tips for leftovers. This easy dish brings flavor and comfort to your table. Don’t hesitate to try your own twists. Happy cooking!

Garlic Parmesan Orzo Chicken One-Pot

Discover the deliciousness of Garlic Parmesan Orzo Chicken Delight, a one-pot meal that's bursting with flavor! This creamy dish combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes, all topped with rich Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your dinner table tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

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

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until slightly translucent.

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

        Add the chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian herbs. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

          Pour in the chicken broth, and bring it to a simmer.

            Once simmering, add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.

              Stir in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are warmed.

                Remove the pot from heat, and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.

                  Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

                    Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish directly from the pot for a rustic feel or plate individual servings and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top along with a sprig of parsley for color.