cheesy chicken orzo
Quick and delicious cheesy chicken orzo made with tender seared chicken, creamy cheddar sauce, and baby spinach for a comforting one-pot meal.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika or to taste
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard optional
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken cubes, season with thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes until chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add about 3 quarts of water to the skillet, bring to a boil over high heat.
- Stir in orzo and cook for 8 to 9 minutes until tender.
- Drain the orzo and return it to the pot.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and dijon mustard if using until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Stir cooked chicken back into the orzo mixture.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
This cheesy chicken orzo can be customized with different cheeses or vegetables for variety. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.