One Pot Chicken Orzo Bliss: A Creamy, Hearty Hug in Every Bite!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured with care:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cubed into 1” pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped (about ½ a medium onion)
- 2 cups fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 8 ounces dry orzo
- 2 ½ cups low- or no-salt chicken broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ⅓ cup half-and-half (or milk)
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan, for garnish
I set it all out and feel like I’m about to create a masterpiece. This makes 4 servings—perfect for a family dinner or meal prep if I’m savoring solo. It’s my roadmap for a creamy, one-pot feast. I always check my pantry first—my trick to avoid mid-cook chaos. Nothing’s worse than missing broth halfway through, right? Keeps me calm and eager to start.
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Let’s kick things off with love!—in a small bowl, toss 1.5 pounds cubed chicken with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (I’m buzzing with excitement!). Mix to coat evenly—flavor’s locked in (my kitchen’s ready!). Spiced and ready—chicken’s set (my counter’s lively!). It’s the savory start—pure protein joy!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large high-sided pan over medium-high—add 1 tablespoon olive oil (my kitchen’s sizzling!). Add the seasoned chicken—cook 10-12 minutes, stirring until browned all over (trust me, you’ll grin like I did first time!). Remove to a bowl—golden and juicy (my excitement’s climbing!). Chicken’s done—ready to rest (my heart’s full!). It’s the hearty core—pure skillet magic!
Step 3: Sauté the Asparagus
In the same pan—no need to clean!—add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil (my kitchen smells like promise!). Toss in 2 cups asparagus pieces—sauté 2 minutes until tender-crisp (my anticipation’s soaring!). Remove to the chicken bowl—bright and snappy (my nose is in love!). Veggies glow—freshness captured (my heart’s happy!). It’s the green spark—pure crunch alive!
Step 4: Cook the Onion and Orzo
Add ½ cup chopped onion to the pan—sauté 3 minutes until soft (my kitchen’s humming!). Stir in 8 ounces orzo and 1 tablespoon minced garlic—cook 3 minutes until orzo toasts lightly (my hands are dancing!). Fragrant and golden—base is building (my heart’s leaping!). It’s the starchy heart—pure flavor brewing!
Step 5: Simmer with Broth
Pour in 2 ½ cups chicken broth—scrape up those tasty bits (my kitchen’s a bistro!). Bring to a simmer—stir and cover (pro tip: microwave broth first to speed things up!). Cook 7 minutes, stirring halfway, until most liquid’s absorbed (my table’s waiting!). Soft and saucy—orzo’s set (my heart’s singing!). It’s the cozy merge—pure comfort forming!
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Stir in the chicken, asparagus, ⅓ cup half-and-half, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, 2 cups spinach, and 2 thyme sprigs (my kitchen’s vibrant!). Heat 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts and everything’s warm (my counter’s a feast!). Creamy and bright—dish is ready (my heart’s content!). It’s the grand union—pure one-pot love!
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Scoop into bowls—sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan (my kitchen’s glowing!). Serve hot—share or savor (my table’s a party!). Warm and hearty—dinner’s here (my heart’s thrilled!). It’s the final touch—total orzo bliss!