Description
This Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken is a creamy, one-pan dinner that combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a velvety Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini, baby bella, or white button)
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ready in just 35 minutes.
- This recipe is hearty and flavorful.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 115mg