One Pot Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo is a quick and flavorful dinner packed with tender chicken, orzo pasta, spinach, and artichokes all cooked in one pot for easy clean-up and maximum flavor. This easy one pot chicken and orzo dinner is perfect for busy weeknights!
This orzo chicken spinach recipe was born out of a craving for spinach artichoke dip and the need to get dinner on the table fast. I had chicken in the fridge and a half-used jar of artichokes staring me down, and before I knew it, dinner was a one pot wonder! My kids loved it, my husband went back for seconds, and now it’s on our regular rotation.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Fast cleanup after dinner – Because everything cooks in one pot, I’m not left with a pile of dishes in the sink.
- Tastes like spinach artichoke dip – It’s got that creamy, garlicky goodness we all love, but in a dinner-worthy form.
- Great way to use up leftover spinach and pantry artichokes – I always seem to have half a bag of spinach or an open jar of artichokes, and this puts them to good use.
- My kids actually eat spinach this way – Seriously. It’s mixed with orzo and cheese and they gobble it up without complaint.
Recipe Notes
This one pot chicken orzo spinach recipe is as simple as promised! Just one skillet, a handful of ingredients, and about 30 minutes for a family-friendly dinner that everyone will devour.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make chicken spinach orzo to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breast is lean and quick-cooking. Chicken thighs work great too and add extra richness.
- Orzo pasta – This small pasta cooks right in the broth, soaking up all the flavor. Pearl couscous or ditalini can work, but adjust liquid and cook time.
- Fresh spinach – Baby spinach wilts right in. Frozen spinach is fine, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out extra liquid first.
- Artichoke hearts – Marinated ones add more flavor, but canned or frozen are perfectly fine too.
- Seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Cream and cheeses – The combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese make this so creamy and flavorful.
- Chicken broth – The best way to add flavor.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Veggie-Packed Orzo Chicken Spinach – Stir in sautéed mushrooms or zucchini along with the spinach for added veggies.
- Spicy Chicken Spinach Orzo – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic and onions for some kick.
- Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo – Finish the dish with fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten everything up, then top with extra grated parmesan.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make orzo chicken and spinach.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through.
Pour in the chicken broth, orzo, and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
Once the orzo is nearly tender, mix in the cream cheese and parmesan along with a little extra salt. Stir until smooth and fully melted into the sauce.
Drain and roughly chop the artichoke hearts, then stir them into the orzo mixture to warm through.
Add the fresh spinach and cook just until it’s wilted and blended in.
Garnish with extra parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Sear the chicken well – Getting that nice golden color on the chicken adds rich, savory flavor that builds the base of the dish.
- Use marinated artichokes for more flavor – If you have them, marinated artichokes add a tangy boost that makes this even better.
- Don’t overcook the orzo – Orzo can go from perfect to mushy quickly, so keep a close eye and stir occasionally.
- Add the spinach at the very end – This keeps it bright and tender rather than overcooked or slimy.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Use rotisserie chicken – Shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken and stir it in during the last few minutes to save time.
- Use frozen spinach – No need to wash or chop, just thaw, squeeze, and stir it in.
- Skip searing, simmer it all – If you’re in a hurry, toss raw chicken pieces in with the orzo to simmer all together. You’ll lose some browning, but save time.
- Skip cream cheese – In a pinch, skip the cream cheese and add a few more tablespoons of heavy cream and a little extra parmesan.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this one pot chicken orzo recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To freeze before cooking
- Dice and season the raw chicken.
- Place seasoned chicken, garlic, artichokes, and spinach in a freezer-safe bag.
- Attach a small bag with orzo and label with instructions to cook with broth, cream, and cheeses.
How to Freeze Chicken Spinach Orzo After Cooking
- Let the orzo mixture cool completely.
- Portion into airtight containers.
- Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
What to Serve with One Pot Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of spinach, parmesan, garlic, and artichoke, it will pair well with many of your favorite veggie or bread-based side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
Chicken Spinach Orzo Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Spinach Artichoke Orzo Soup – Add chicken broth and a splash of cream to turn leftovers into a cozy soup.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Chicken Orzo – Scoop orzo into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake.
- Cheesy Chicken Orzo Bake – Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Chicken Orzo Wraps – Roll it up in a warm tortilla with mozzarella or provolone for a hearty wrap.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
Yes! Diced turkey or even Italian sausage would work great here.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is not, but you can find gluten-free orzo or small pasta made with rice or corn.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Just use a large enough pot to hold everything and increase broth and seasonings accordingly.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo from drying out.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy chicken recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- One Pan Greek Chicken and Cauliflower
- Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
- Baked Hawaiian Chicken
- Tuscan Garlic Chicken
One Pot Spinach Artichoke Orzo with Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 16 ounces orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can quartered artichoke hearts, (14 ounce) drained
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1 inch cubes. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat a large skillet (see note) over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and once hot, spread the chicken in a single layer in the bottom of the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Add orzo to the skillet. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender.As it cooks, Stir the orzo scraping the bottom to release any bits that may be stuck.
- Stir in salt, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, artichoke hearts, and fresh spinach. Continue to cook, stirring regularly until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is incorporated.
- Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.
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