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- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon mixed dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken provides protein. The garlic adds depth. The orzo gives a nice texture. The cream brings richness, making every bite a delight. - Lemon zest for brightness - Red pepper flakes for heat - Sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness - Fresh basil or thyme for extra herbs These optional ingredients can take your dish to the next level. A bit of lemon zest can brighten the flavors. Red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Sun-dried tomatoes give a subtle sweetness that balances well. - Large pot or Dutch oven for cooking - Slotted spoon for easy chicken removal - Wooden spoon for stirring - Measuring cups for accuracy Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large pot helps everything cook evenly. A slotted spoon lets you remove the chicken without excess liquid. A wooden spoon is great for stirring and won’t scratch your pot. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped chicken thighs. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a plate. Next, add the minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it constantly until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Then, add the orzo pasta and stir well, coating it with the garlic oil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a rapid boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes while stirring occasionally. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed. Now, stir in the heavy cream and dried Italian herbs. Mix it all well. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Then, add the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and everything is mixed together. Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remove the pot from the heat. Serve the creamy chicken orzo hot, and garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor. To cook orzo just right, use plenty of water. The orzo needs space to move. Stir it often while it cooks. This keeps it from sticking. Check for doneness a minute before the time ends. It should be tender but still firm. If it gets too soft, it can turn mushy. To boost creaminess, add more heavy cream. You can also stir in cream cheese for a rich texture. Mixing in some grated cheese helps too. Parmesan adds flavor and creaminess. For a hint of tang, try a splash of lemon juice. This elevates the taste and adds brightness. Prep your ingredients first. Chop the chicken and mince the garlic ahead of time. This saves you stress while cooking. Use a one-cup measuring cup for orzo and broth. This helps you pour quickly. If you have a pot with a lid, use it. It speeds up cooking by trapping heat. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the nutrition of your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo by adding vegetables. Try adding chopped carrots or bell peppers. These veggies add color and taste. You could also use broccoli or zucchini. Just toss them in with the orzo. They will cook nicely and stay crisp. Spinach is already in the recipe, but you can add more for extra greens. If you want to change the protein, you have options. You can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast cooks fast and stays juicy. For a twist, try shrimp or scallops. Just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you want a meatless dish, use chickpeas or tofu. Both are great sources of protein and will soak up the flavors well. Switching up the seasonings can make your dish exciting. Instead of Italian herbs, try a mix of paprika and cumin for a smoky flavor. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can spice things up. You could also use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh touch. Experiment with lemon zest for a bright note that pairs well with the cream. Each option gives a new vibe to the same dish. After you enjoy your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo, let it cool. Use an airtight container for storage. This dish stays fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it sealed tight to lock in flavors. To reheat, place the orzo in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to avoid drying it out. Stir gently until it warms up. You can also use the microwave, but cover the dish to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, checking often. You can freeze this dish for later. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster. Just be careful not to overcook it. This can lead to dry meat. Cut the chicken into small pieces for even cooking. The flavor will still be great! To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the orzo pasta. Use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta. You will still get the same creamy texture. Just check the broth for gluten. Use low-sodium chicken broth labeled gluten-free. Great side dishes include a simple green salad. A fresh cucumber salad works well too. You can also serve crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted veggies add color and nutrition. Try steamed broccoli or green beans for something light and tasty. This blog post covered the key elements to create a great One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo. We explored essential and optional ingredients, effective cooking steps, and clever tips. You learned how to customize the dish with vegetables and proteins, plus how to store leftovers for later use. Remember, cooking is all about trying new things and enjoying the process. With these insights, you can make a satisfying meal everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo

Discover the mouthwatering goodness of One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo! This easy recipe features tender chicken thighs, creamy orzo, and fresh spinach, all cooked in a single pot for a hassle-free meal. With simple ingredients and a total prep time of just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your dinner routine with amazing flavors!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon mixed dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot using a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.

    Cook the Garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not burned.

      Prepare the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring well to coat it with the garlic and oil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rapid boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

        Combine Ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream and the dried Italian herbs, mixing well to combine. Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and everything is thoroughly mixed.

          Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the pot from heat.

            Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the creamy chicken orzo hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Serving Tips: For an extra touch, drizzle with a bit of olive oil before serving or pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!