Description
A creamy and comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken breast with spinach, artichoke hearts, and orzo pasta, all cooked together in a savory blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and cheeses for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta and Liquids
- 16 ounces orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
Cheese and Vegetables
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to infuse flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once the oil is hot, spread the chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring, then stir and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Add the 16 ounces of orzo to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 1½ cups heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the skillet to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Incorporate Cheese and Vegetables: Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, 4 ounces cream cheese, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, 3 cloves minced garlic, drained artichoke hearts, and fresh spinach. Continue cooking while stirring regularly until the spinach wilts and the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish the dish with additional parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm for a rich and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use a large skillet or wide sauté pan to ensure even cooking and enough space for stirring the orzo.
- Scraping the bottom of the pan while cooking prevents the orzo from sticking and helps release flavorful browned bits.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different creamy texture.
- For an extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: spinach artichoke orzo, one pot meal, creamy chicken orzo, easy dinner recipe, skillet orzo with chicken and vegetables
