One-Pan Creamy Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken
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. The orzo pasta cooks directly in the skillet, soaking up all the rich flavors, making it a simple yet comforting meal perfect for weeknights.Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s hearty, flavorful, and family-approved — a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 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
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
Prepare the chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the chicken
- 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.
Sauté the aromatics and mushrooms
- 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.
Toast the orzo
- Add the orzo to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted. This step enhances the flavor.
Simmer in broth
- 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.
Add cream and spinach
- 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.
Combine with chicken
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Finish and serve
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.