Creamy Chicken Orzo Pasta

A wooden spoon holds a serving of creamy orzo pasta mixed with peas, corn, carrots, and small pieces of chicken over a large pan filled with the same mixture.

Creamy Chicken Orzo Pasta

This Creamy Chicken Orzo Pasta is a cozy one-pan dinner that's easy enough for any night of the week. Everything cooks quickly — just about 35 minutes including prep — and there's minimal cleanup afterward. You'll have tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta, veggies, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, all in one dish.

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken orzo pasta, creamy chicken orzo, orzo chicken

Servings: servings

Calories: 391kcal

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons salted butter
½-¾ pound chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup diced yellow onion
¼ cup diced celery
2 cloves garlic minced
1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 ¼ cups whole milk
1 ½ cups dried orzo
1 ½ cups frozen mixed veggies
½ cup chopped spinach (chop then measure)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon coarse ground pepper
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Optional Garnishes:

Parsley
Shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook Chicken and Onions: In a large deep skillet over medium heat, add the butter and melt. Add the chicken, onion, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes until onion is soft and chicken is cooked through. Add garlic and flour and cook for an additional minute or two.
Add Broth and Pasta: Slowly pour broth in while whisking or stirring until the flour is incorporated into broth. Whisk in milk, orzo, frozen veggies, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce stovetop heat to keep a simmer. Stir occasionally while it cooks; this will take about 8-10 minutes. Once pasta is al dente, the sauce will still be quite thin. Remove from the stove at this point.
Finish with Parmesan and Lemon: Gently stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, then serve.

Video

Notes

Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid freezing, as the orzo will become mushy when thawed.

Nutrition