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One-Pot Chicken Florentine Orzo

One-Pot Chicken Florentine Orzo
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One-Pot Chicken Florentine Orzo is a comforting and impressive meal featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy cheesy orzo pasta, all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup and quick preparation. It combines protein, greens, and carbs in a flavorful, family-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Dairy

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Oils and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add fresh spinach and cook, stirring, until it wilts down significantly.
  3. Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in the dry orzo pasta, stirring it around to toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. Then add chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom to infuse that flavor into the liquid.
  4. Simmer Everything Together: Return the chicken breasts to the pot, nestling them among the orzo and spinach. Cover and let everything simmer on medium-low heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat, pour in heavy cream or half-and-half and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the sauce is thick and creamy, coating the chicken and orzo evenly.
  6. Final Taste and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use high-quality chicken broth to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
  • Watch the orzo closely to avoid overcooking; it should be tender yet slightly chewy.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes off the heat to keep it juicy.
  • Add spinach just before liquids to avoid mushiness.
  • Adjust Parmesan cheese amount according to your preference for cheesiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, chicken florentine, orzo, creamy pasta, spinach, easy dinner, quick meal, family-friendly

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/one-pot-chicken-florentine-orzo/