Name: One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Olive oil; Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; Kosher salt; Black pepper; Garlic powder; Onion powder; Butter; Garlic cloves; Chicken broth; Milk or half-and-half; Orzo; Artichoke hearts; Fresh spinach; Parmesan cheese; Cream cheese or mascarpone; Lemon juice

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The aroma of sizzling chicken thighs infused with garlic and sautéed spinach dances through the air, inviting you into the kitchen. The creamy sauce bubbles gently, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. I still remember the first time I made One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo for my family. It was a cozy Sunday dinner, and as we gathered around the table, I couldn’t help but smile as everyone dug in, their eyes lighting up with each delicious bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo

This dish is perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something hearty yet comforting. With vibrant greens and the tang of artichokes, this meal truly feels like a warm hug on your plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this one-pan wonder is not only visually appealing but also quick and simple to prepare. I can’t wait for you to bring this amazing recipe into your home and share in the joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to serve in just 35 minutes, it’s a go-to for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy orzo combines beautifully with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and tangy artichoke hearts.
Eye-Catching Appeal: It’s a colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for entertaining.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt it for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: A staple for sautéing; it adds richness. You can substitute with avocado oil if needed.
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: They provide juicy flavor, but feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance all flavors in the dish.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These deliver a nice aromatic base; fresh garlic works too!
Butter: Adds richness when sautéing garlic, elevating the entire dish’s flavor profile.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings a pop of flavor; use 3 to 4 cloves, minced.
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium for better control over salt; vegetable broth can be a great alternative for a lighter taste.
Milk or half-and-half: Adds creaminess; you can replace it with non-dairy milk for a dairy-free option.
Orzo: A short pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully; substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free choice.
Artichoke hearts: A 14-ounce can, drained and chopped; frozen artichoke hearts are a great substitute if you have them on hand.
Fresh spinach: Roughly chopped, offering a nutritional boost and vibrant color; kale can be used instead for a heartier green.
Parmesan cheese: Grated, for that luscious creamy finish; nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative.
Cream cheese or mascarpone: Optional but recommended for extra creaminess; could be swapped for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Lemon juice: Just a squeeze brightens and balances the dish. You can leave this out if lemon’s not your thing.

How to Make One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo

Pat and Season: Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels, helping them to sear beautifully. Season both sides generously with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder for a flavor-packed punch.

Heat and Sear: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken and sear until golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once nicely browned, remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, watching the bubbling for a moment of indulgence, then toss in 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, allowing those beautiful aromas to fill your kitchen.

Toast the Orzo: Add 1 ¼ cups of orzo to the pan, giving it a gentle toast for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step adds depth to the flavor, creating a toastier, nuttier orzo that elevates the dish.

Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk (or half-and-half), stirring to combine while scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring this vibrant mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and creamy. If it appears dry, add a splash more broth or milk.

Incorporate Spinach and Artichokes: Gently stir in 3 to 4 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach and 14 ounces of drained, chopped artichoke hearts. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes, bringing a gorgeous green contrast to your dish.

Add Cheese and Adjust Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low and stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and a ½ cup of cream cheese or mascarpone, cut into small pieces. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste your sauce and season with additional salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if using to brighten the flavors.

Return Chicken to Pan: Slice or shred the reserved chicken and return it to the pan, stirring to coat every piece in that rich creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and cozy.

Serve and Enjoy: Finally, sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese and a dash of cracked black pepper before serving. Gather your friends and family around the table, and enjoy this colorful, creamy dish filled with flavors that will linger in your mind long after the last bite!

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for a couple of hours. For longer storage, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to freshen up the creamy sauce as you stir. While the flavors may mellow slightly upon reheating, you’ll still enjoy a delicious meal.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking: Chicken can dry out quickly; aim for a golden brown sear without overcooking.
Watch Your Liquids: If the orzo looks dry during cooking, a little extra broth or milk goes a long way.
Fresh Cheese: For the best creaminess, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding; it melts beautifully.
Customize: Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies or adjust the cheese types based on what you have on hand.

Gearing up to whip up this delicious One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo is the start of a culinary journey you’ll want to take more than once. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors that come together to make each bite a comforting delight. Don’t shy away from experimenting with your favorite greens or cheeses—I can’t wait to hear your tweaks and spins on this delightful dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo adds a unique touch, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa can work well. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly from orzo.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Making it dairy-free is simple. Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, plus use dairy-free cream cheese and skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the dish ahead of time; simply store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to refresh it.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread. A glass of crisp white wine also complements the flavors wonderfully, making for a delightful meal.