One skillet Parmesan chicken and orzo. A perfect dinner that’s quick, easy and super flavorful. Pan seared chicken breasts and orzo cooked together with spinach and Parmesan for a complete dinner. Truly one of those all-in-one-dinners that just about everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love this Parmesan Chicken Orzo Recipe
A chicken dinner that’s comforting and hearty, thanks to Parmesan cheese, tender spinach and smooth orzo, but also with a touch of acidity from the white wine and a splash of lemon juice that finishes it all off.
This one skillet dinner feels both satisfying and special, which makes this a meal that ticks all the boxes as a fast dish on a weeknight but also a wholesome meal for family dinners in the weekends…. yet can be fancy enough to impress friends on a dinner party.
Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO.
Helpful Tips
- If you want to keep the dish extra healthy, swap the orzo for quinoa or farro, both should have similar cooking times.
- Not a fan of spinach? Use broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes.
How to store chicken with parmesan orzo
- Fridge: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
More delicious chicken recipes
One Skillet Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
Ingredients
- ½ cup orzo pasta
- 2 chicken fillets
- 3.5 ounces spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 shallot - thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves - minced (more if you love garlic)
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth - more if needed
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- salt - to taste
- black pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Transfer to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
- Reduce heat to low, add shallot and garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes. Increase the heat, add white wine, simmer for 1 minute. Stir in the orzo. Add chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, while stirring constantly. Turn down the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes or until the orzo is soft.
- Add the parmesan cheese and spinach, stir until the spinach is wilted. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add more broth if needed, the orzo should be sticky and creamy, not dry. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Serve. Enjoy!
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