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One-Pot Chicken Florentine Orzo

One-Pot Chicken Florentine Orzo
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This easy One-Pot Chicken Florentine Orzo recipe combines tender chicken breasts with creamy spinach, orzo pasta, and cheesy Parmesan in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for quick, comforting weeknight dinners, this dish cooks entirely in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor — ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden outside and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Cook Aromatics and Orzo: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the dry orzo and stir to toast lightly, enhancing its nutty flavor.
  3. Add Liquid and Spinach: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and add fresh spinach. Stir frequently as the spinach wilts and the orzo absorbs the broth, cooking until tender, about 10 minutes.
  4. Return Chicken and Finish with Cream and Cheese: Slice the cooked chicken and nestle it back into the pan. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat everything in rich, creamy goodness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve Warm: Once everything is combined and heated through, your One-Pot Chicken Florentine Orzo is ready to delight your taste buds.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach for the best color and flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the orzo; it should be tender but still slightly firm.
  • Simmer gently when adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling and maintain a silky sauce.
  • Slice chicken thinly after cooking to distribute it evenly.
  • Adjust the amount of broth as needed during cooking to ensure the orzo is properly cooked without excess liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, chicken florentine, orzo, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, spinach, Parmesan

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/one-pot-chicken-florentine-orzo/