If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s both flavorful and easy to whip up on a weeknight, the Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish brings together tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and vibrant bursts of cherry tomatoes and spinach, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate and makes for a wholesome meal the entire family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key, and this recipe shines because it uses simple, fresh items that each add a unique touch — the kind of staples you’ll be excited to keep on hand for weeknight dinners. Every ingredient works in harmony to create a dish that’s rich, colorful, and satisfying.
- Olive oil: Provides a silky base to cook the chicken and toast the orzo, adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy texture and soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness while cooking the orzo, making the dish wonderfully moist.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved to add juicy bursts of sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- Spinach: Chopped and stirred in for a fresh, leafy green contrast that wilts perfectly into the dish.
- Garlic powder: Adds aromatic warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dried oregano: Brings a hint of earthiness and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat for those who love a gentle kick in their meals.
- Fresh basil (optional): Used as a garnish to brighten and freshen up each serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes until each piece is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside so the pan is free to toast the orzo.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Using the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast it gently for about 1 to 2 minutes. This simple step adds a lovely nutty flavor to the orzo and enhances the final dish. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even toasting.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the skillet to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook the orzo gently for 8 to 10 minutes or until it’s tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, which creates that creamy texture we all love in this Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like things with a bit of heat. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes start to soften but still hold some shape.
Step 5: Final Taste and Serve
Give the dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. If you have fresh basil, tear some and sprinkle on top right before serving for that aromatic fresh touch that elevates the whole experience.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Topping this dish with fresh basil leaves not only adds a fragrant sweetness but also a burst of color that’s super inviting. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten all those creamy flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This recipe is quite the star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread makes for a complete and inviting meal. Roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad also complement the creaminess and add refreshing contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely presentation at dinner parties or family gatherings, serve the creamy chicken orzo in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant cherry tomatoes and greens. Garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts for an upscale twist that guests will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors meld even more as it rests, making leftovers a delightful treat.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that spinach and cherry tomatoes might change texture. To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of broth or water and warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps restore the creamy texture and keeps the chicken juicy without drying out the orzo.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo works beautifully due to its size and texture, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small elbow macaroni can be great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep since it stores well and reheats beautifully. It makes quick lunches or dinners, saving you time on busy days.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can be great additions. Add them when you sauté the chicken or toss in towards the end, depending on how soft you prefer them.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally light on dairy, but if you want to add creaminess, consider using coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavier creams or cheese options.
What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, though broth adds more flavor. Boost seasoning slightly if you swap with water to maintain the dish’s depth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like home but is quick enough for a weeknight, this Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is a must-try. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that satisfy all cravings and makes every meal feel a little more special. I promise, once you make it, this recipe will become one of your go-tos for simple, delicious dinners.
Print
Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Orzo recipe combines tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces with toasted orzo pasta simmered in flavorful chicken broth. Enhanced with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like oregano and garlic powder, this easy skillet dish comes together in just 30 minutes for a satisfying, wholesome meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Orzo
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasoning
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and toasting the orzo.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning, which will enhance its flavor.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Cook until the orzo becomes tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir all ingredients to combine.
- Cook Until Spinach Wilts: Continue to cook the mixture for 2-3 more minutes until the spinach has wilted and the flavors meld together.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if using, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, include the red pepper flakes; omit for a milder dish.
- Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- To make it gluten-free, replace orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- This dish can be prepared ahead; reheat gently on the stovetop.
