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.
You can have this One-Pan Chicken and Spinach Orzo 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.
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, it’s time for an Italian version.
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 for this one-pan chicken and spinach orzo
- 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.
If you love this One-Pan Chicken and Spinach Orzo, you’ll love these recipes with chicken breasts:
Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
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
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.
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.
LOVED IT. Instead of parmesan or mozzarella, I had feta on hand and mixed that in. Was quick and easy and perfect with some french bread!
I used fresh bone in chicken thighs and breast-braised in white wine til done. Used fresh cherry tomatoes and onion and garlic added orzo to toast a little in olive oil then added the broth from the braised chicken. When orzo was aldente added the spinach and chicken. Grated parmigiana stirred and then added additional on top to serve ! Very easy and fresh tasting. Thanks for a nice quick meal!
You’re welcome!
I love your recipes! They are always so practical and perfect for a mother of 4. Usually my husband can even cook them when I’m at work 😊. This recipe was fast and simple to put together. I used half spinich and half broccoli. All 4 of my teenagers loved it. I added the cheese after I took out a portion for my dairy free daughter, so it was very adaptable! My only complaint is that I should have doubled it because there are no leftovers😁. Also, this is a low fat and healthy recipe! Perfect! Thank you!
Thank you Anne!! That means so much to me!
This was so quick and easy, and absolutely delicious! My family loved it, too! We’ll be putting this recipe in regular rotation. Hmm. I wonder how this would be with a Greek spin? Add lemon juice and swap feta in for the parmesan?
Sounds like an absolutely delicious twist.
Made this yummy
Needed to cut it down as I’m only the one eating it!!
Look forward to having it for lunch
Glad you enjoyed it.
Just made this tonight. This was fantastic, and SO easy and quick to make! This is officially in my regular menu rotation now!
Oh that makes my heart happy!
Spotted this recipe on another site just now (The Model of Health), and I liked it, but I haven’t yet made it.
Will this recipe still work with a different kind of pasta, or does it have to be orzo pasta? I haven’t spotted orzo pasta on the grocery shelves here in Malaysia, yet. Unless I’ve been under a rock for a long time. ^_^;
Any small pasta will work here!
We loved this dish! Thank you!
http://themodelofhealth.com/easy-summer-dinners/
Thank you!
I just found your blog from the Mr. Food website and love it! This recipe sounds really good and am wondering how asparagus might taste with this in lieu of spinach, following your instructions regarding broccoli, by adding the asparagus early. Think it would work? Thanks
Yes, that would be brilliant!
Made this tonight, used slightly over 3 cups spinach, fire roasted tomatoes, 1 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Orwise kept rwcipe same. Both hubby and I thought next time maybe double spinach, and tomatoes ( maybe drain one can?) And keep other ingredients as written. Felt too much pasta, with other ingredients. Also maybe even more seasoning. Though to be fair I added very little red pepper flakes as I don”t do spicy. Just my 2 cents though.
Sorry you didn’t love it. The red pepper definitely gives it kick.
I love this dish , this looks so delicious! I will try to cook this dish tonight
Thank you!
Love a quick, one-pan meal! Especially when my son asked me, “Why do we have to have the same dinner we had yesterday again and again?!?” Yikes. So excited to try this!
Ha my children say the same thing!
I know this will go to our monthly dinner rotation, even I haven’t prepared it yet. 🙂
Thank you for the recipe.
Hope it does!
This looks great. Making it tonight for dinner. 😉
Hope you do!