One-Pan Chicken and Spinach Orzo
One-Pan Chicken and Spinach Orzo is an easy weeknight dinner with chicken and spinach in a creamy tomato orzo. You can have this One-Pan Italian pasta dinner can be on the table in under 20 minutes. Sprinkle some Parmesan on top and enjoy!
One-pan Chicken And Spinach Orzo
Last week my kids did a one week break from all screens. Did I mention that last week was also the first week of summer? The first day was probably the longest day of their life. Lots of moping and stares like, “Why did you do this to us?”
Well. We actually didn’t. We let let choose which week to do it and that’s the week they chose. But never have I ever seen such creativity. Cookie stands, dance parties, fishing, and more Lego ships than I’ve seen built in the last year (and I’m still stepping on them).
Oh I love summer. No schedules, no sports, no agendas. It’s what makes my soul happy.
But then I have to still make dinner. I know, I know. I have a food blog and am supposed to love cooking. Let’s just say I’m currently in a phase where I just enjoy the eating part.
CHICKEN RECIPES WITH ORZO
Simple, one-pan dinners are all I have the energy for. You know I love my Mexican one-pan dinners like this One-Pan Chicken Enchilada Skillet and this One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice. Now, since my family loves Italian food it was time for an Italian version. If it’s a chicken recipe even better.
There was a debate in our house whether this one-pan chicken dinner should have spinach or broccoli in it. Usually my family chooses broccoli for everything and I think it would work well here too but spinach was the winner.
COMMON QUESTIONS
- Can I use broccoli instead of spinach? Yes, just make sure you chop it into bite size pieces and add it when you begin to cook the orzo so it has enough time to steam.
- Can I use mozzarella instead of Parmesan? Of course, I love the saltiness of the Parmesan but mozzarella is great too.
- Can I use frozen spinach? I’m not a huge fan of frozen spinach in this recipe, but I suppose you could use it.
- Can I cook my own chicken and not use rotisserie? Yes. I suggest using about 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes. Brown it in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 5-6 minutes then add the onion and continue the recipe as written.
- How many calories per serving? There are 321 calories per serving and the recipe makes 4 servings.
OTHER ONE-PAN DINNERS
- Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
- One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Skillet
- One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice
- One-Pan Monterey Chicken Pasta
- Spinach and Feta Quiche
- One-Pan Bacon Broccoli Pasta
- One-Pan Chicken Tortilla Bake
One-Pan Chicken and Spinach Orzo
This One-Pan Chicken and Spinach Orzo is an easy weeknight dinner with chicken and spinach in a creamy tomato orzo.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 white onion, diced finely
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (I like Better Than Bouillon Base)
- 3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained (if you can get the version that has basil and oregano great!)
- 1 teaspoon italian seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste later)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional if you like heat)
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (see notes)
- 3 cups spinach leaves (measured then chopped)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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In a large skillet, bring the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sautee the onion until soft, adding the garlic for the last minute of cooking.
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Add the chicken broth, orzo, diced tomatoes, Italian seasonings, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Add the chicken and the spinach leaves for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.
Recipe Notes
- Can I use broccoli instead of spinach? Yes, just make sure you chop it into bite size pieces and add it when you begin to cook the orzo so it has enough time to steam.
- Can I use mozzarella instead of Parmesan? Of course, I love the saltiness of the Parmesan but mozzarella is great too.
- Can I use frozen spinach? I'm not a huge fan of frozen spinach in this recipe, but I suppose you could use it.
- Can I cook my own chicken and not use rotisserie? Yes. I suggest using about 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes. Brown it in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 5-6 minutes then add the onion and continue the recipe as written.
will be making again! I feel like I could’ve eaten the whole pan
Yay!
We love this! I’ve made it several times! Delicious for my entire family!
Thank you!
Wondering if this would be a good freezer meal ? Make as directed and then place into a freezer foil pan and cover tightly….. trying to find a few meals to make ahead for a new mother who is expecting any day now.
Yes! That’s how I would freeze it.
Delicious!
I cooked this tonight and my husband and I loved it! Thank you so much for sharing this delicious dinner recipe!
It was very easy to follow instructions and I didn’t substitute anything except added some leftover red bell pepper I needed to use. I will make it again for sure! I will, however, need to double the recipe next time so we can have some leftovers to enjoy 😂😁
Awesome!
So good! I used the petite diced tomatoes with olive oil and garlic in it and it added the perfect amount of flavor! Thank you!
Thank you!
I hate to say this, because I really wanted to like this, but it was…okay. The only spice that really registered was the hot pepper, which isn’t a kind of spice we prefer. I even tried adding some additional fresh basil at the end to try to kick it up a notch, but it was just…there. We ate it, so I’m not one-starring it, but it really needs some more flavor — I’m just not sure what.
Regardless, thank you for sharing. 🙂
I made this for supper tonight and my husband and I thought it was really good! It took quite a bit longer for the orzo to cook. I had to add more water, then chicken broth that was in the bag with the frozen rotisserie chicken and then I even added some dry white wine and deglazed the pan with that. But after that, it cooked quickly. Thanks for the recipe!
You’re welcome!
I had leftover black beans and a ear of corn I added for a southwest flair.
Bet it was great!
This was a lovely winter’s night comfort food in a bowl meal. Didn’t change a thing except making a bit more of everything to satisfy our hungry 20-something boys.
Ha yeah they might need a double batch.
Can I use rice instead of orzo pasta as I can’t find orzo in my local supermarkets