Looking for a way to spice up your weeknight dinners? Orzo, with its delightful pasta-like texture, is the perfect canvas for creating mouthwatering meals that are both quick and satisfying. Our roundup of 18 Delicious Orzo Recipes with Chicken and Vegetables is here to inspire your next culinary adventure. From cozy comfort dishes to light, seasonal favorites, there’s something for every taste. Let’s dive in and discover your new go-to recipe!
Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo is a bright, comforting dish that brings a little sunshine to your dinner table with its zesty flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in orzo pasta, lemon zest, and lemon juice, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Return chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley, then cover for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt.
The magic of this dish lies in the lemon juice and zest, which cuts through the richness of the Parmesan, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.
Tip: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a tablespoon of butter with the Parmesan cheese.
Creamy Chicken and Orzo Soup
Nothing comforts like a bowl of creamy chicken and orzo soup, especially when it’s packed with tender chicken, hearty orzo, and a velvety broth that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the orzo, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Heat through for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
The magic of this soup lies in the heavy cream, which adds a luxurious richness without overpowering the delicate flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the orzo in a dry pan before adding it to the soup, giving it a slightly nutty taste.
One-Pot Chicken Orzo with Spinach
This One-Pot Chicken Orzo with Spinach is a weeknight hero, combining tender chicken, creamy orzo, and fresh spinach in a dish that’s as nutritious as it is comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in orzo, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add spinach to the pot, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
The magic of this dish lies in the orzo’s ability to absorb the rich flavors of the chicken and broth, creating a creamy texture without any cream.
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, toast the orzo in the pot for a minute before adding the broth.
Greek Chicken Orzo Salad
This Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
The magic of this salad lies in the contrast of textures—the creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and tender orzo create a delightful bite every time.
Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh dill or mint before serving.
Chicken Orzo Skillet with Mushrooms
This Chicken Orzo Skillet with Mushrooms is a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and orzo pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
The magic of this dish lies in the creamy orzo that absorbs all the delicious flavors from the chicken and mushrooms, creating a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try using a mix of wild mushrooms instead of just one variety.
Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo is a one-pan wonder that brings together tender chicken and creamy orzo in a rich, garlicky butter sauce—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook for 10 minutes over low heat.
- Uncover, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and cook for another 5 minutes until the orzo is creamy and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
The magic of this dish lies in the orzo cooking right in the skillet, absorbing all the garlic butter flavors and chicken juices for an irresistibly creamy texture.
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, toast the orzo in the butter before adding the broth—it adds a nutty depth to the dish.
Chicken Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This Chicken Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels anything but ordinary.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in orzo, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Let stand for 2 minutes before serving.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy depth to this dish, while the Parmesan melts into the orzo, creating a creamy texture without any cream.
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar instead of olive oil.
Orzo Chicken with Feta and Olives
This Orzo Chicken with Feta and Olives is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy feta, and briny olives in a one-pan wonder that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Pour in 1 cup orzo pasta and 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup kalamata olives, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese begins to melt.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.
The magic of this dish lies in the way the orzo absorbs all the flavorful juices, creating a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream. The feta and olives add a punch of flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the freshness of the parsley.
Tip: For an extra burst of freshness, serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing over the top.
Spicy Chicken and Orzo Stir Fry
Spice up your weeknight dinner routine with this Spicy Chicken and Orzo Stir Fry, a dish that packs a punch of flavor and comes together in a flash.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add red bell pepper, broccoli, and garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
- Stir in soy sauce, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add cooked orzo and toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
The magic of this dish lies in the balance of sweet honey and fiery red pepper flakes, creating a flavor that’s bold yet perfectly harmonious.
Tip: For an extra kick, add an additional 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes or serve with sliced jalapeños on the side.
Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake
This Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy orzo, and melted cheese in one irresistible dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
The magic of this dish lies in the creamy orzo that perfectly soaks up the flavors of the marinara and cheeses, creating a texture that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Tip: For an extra crispy top, broil the bake for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Herbed Chicken and Orzo Pilaf
Warm up your kitchen with this comforting Herbed Chicken and Orzo Pilaf, a dish that brings together tender chicken and fluffy orzo in a symphony of herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp dried rosemary. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add 1 cup orzo to the skillet and stir to coat with the herbs and oil. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo. Cover and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.
The magic of this dish lies in the orzo, which absorbs all the herby flavors and chicken juices, creating a pilaf that’s irresistibly flavorful and moist.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the orzo in the skillet before adding the broth, until it turns a light golden color.
Chicken Orzo with Roasted Red Peppers
This Chicken Orzo with Roasted Red Peppers is a cozy, one-pan wonder that brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to your weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is no longer pink.
- Stir in orzo pasta and roasted red peppers, cooking for another 2 minutes to lightly toast the orzo.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
The magic of this dish lies in the orzo’s ability to soak up all the savory flavors, creating a creamy texture without any cream. It’s a simple yet sophisticated meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the dried oregano.
Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and orzo pasta in one delicious bake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
The magic of this dish lies in the orzo’s ability to soak up all the creamy, cheesy goodness, creating a texture that’s irresistibly smooth and satisfying.
Tip: For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Chicken Orzo with Artichokes and Lemon
This Chicken Orzo with Artichokes and Lemon is a bright, comforting dish that brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
- Stir in 1 cup orzo, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 can artichoke hearts, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
The magic of this dish lies in the lemon’s bright acidity cutting through the richness of the chicken and artichokes, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Orzo
Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of tender chicken and orzo, perfectly cooked in your slow cooker with minimal effort. This dish is a weeknight hero, blending simplicity with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and sear until golden, about 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to the slow cooker. Add orzo, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until chicken is tender and orzo is cooked through.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
The magic of this recipe lies in the orzo absorbing all the savory juices from the chicken, creating a dish that’s both hearty and surprisingly light.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the orzo in the skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
Chicken Orzo with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
This Chicken Orzo with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes is a vibrant, one-pan wonder that brings the freshness of summer to your table any time of year.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is no longer pink.
- Add garlic and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
- Stir in cooked orzo and pesto until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.
The magic of this dish lies in the pesto’s herby punch paired with the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the orzo in a dry skillet before boiling it, giving the pasta a nutty depth.
Chicken Orzo with Asparagus and Parmesan
This Chicken Orzo with Asparagus and Parmesan is a one-pot wonder that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the hassle.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken breast, cooking until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the orzo is tender and the asparagus is bright green.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
The magic of this dish lies in the creamy Parmesan that coats every bite, blending perfectly with the tender chicken and crisp asparagus for a meal that’s both comforting and fresh.
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try stirring in a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Chicken Orzo with Kale and White Beans
This Chicken Orzo with Kale and White Beans is a hearty, one-pot wonder that brings together comforting flavors and textures for a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the white beans, kale, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional red pepper flakes if desired.
The creamy orzo and tender chicken pair beautifully with the earthy kale and white beans, creating a dish that’s as nutritious as it is comforting.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Conclusion
We hope this roundup of 18 delicious orzo recipes with chicken and vegetables inspires your next meal! Each dish offers a unique blend of flavors and simplicity, perfect for home cooks. Don’t forget to try your favorites, share your thoughts in the comments, and pin the recipes you love on Pinterest. Happy cooking!