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For this One Pot Chicken Mushroom Orzo, you will need: - 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup baby spinach - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish. The chicken adds protein, while the orzo serves as a comforting base. The mushrooms and spinach bring in color and nutrients, making this meal both tasty and healthy. You can easily swap some ingredients based on your taste or what you have on hand: - Instead of chicken thighs, use chicken breast for a leaner option. - You can replace orzo with any small pasta you like, such as couscous or ditalini. - If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut milk in place of heavy cream. - Swap baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard for different greens. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. These substitutions keep the dish delicious while catering to your needs. Feel free to be creative! Each serving of this One Pot Chicken Mushroom Orzo offers balanced nutrition: - Calories: Approximately 450 - Protein: 30 g - Carbohydrates: 40 g - Fiber: 3 g - Fat: 20 g This dish is a great source of protein and carbs, perfect for a filling meal. The vegetables add vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded choice. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need chicken, orzo, broth, and veggies. Chop the onion and garlic. Slice the mushrooms, and cut the chicken into small pieces. This makes cooking easier. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. Use medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about three to four minutes. You want it soft and clear. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until it smells great. Now, it’s time to add the chicken. Toss in the bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook the chicken for about five to six minutes. Make sure it turns brown on all sides. This adds flavor. Next, stir in the sliced mushrooms. Cook for another three to four minutes. You want them soft but still firm. This mix is full of flavor now. Pour in two cups of chicken broth. Add one cup of orzo pasta. Stir everything well. Bring the mix to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about ten to twelve minutes. Stir it occasionally. When the orzo is soft, add half a cup of heavy cream. Toss in one cup of baby spinach. Cook for an extra two to three minutes. The spinach should wilt and the dish will become creamy. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal! To make your One Pot Chicken Mushroom Orzo shine, focus on seasoning. Salt and pepper are key. Add them in layers. Start with the chicken and then season the broth. This builds flavor. Use fresh herbs if you can. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch. Thyme and paprika work well too. They give warmth and depth. The heavy cream adds creaminess, so don’t skip it. It brings all the flavors together. One common mistake is overcooking the orzo. It should be tender but still firm. Stir often while it cooks. This prevents sticking. Another mistake is not sautéing the onions and garlic enough. This step builds a strong base for your dish. If you rush it, you miss out on flavor. Lastly, don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust seasonings based on your preference. For this recipe, use a large pot or deep skillet. A heavy-bottomed pot cooks evenly and prevents burning. A wooden spoon is great for stirring. It won’t scratch your pot. Keep a measuring cup handy for the broth and orzo. Also, have a sharp knife for chopping the onions and garlic. A cutting board is a must for safe prep. Finally, don’t forget your favorite serving bowls. They make the meal feel special! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme can enhance the flavor of the dish. If you have access to fresh herbs, consider substituting dried thyme with fresh for a more vibrant taste. Perfect Orzo Texture: To prevent the orzo from becoming mushy, keep an eye on it as it cooks. Stir occasionally and taste for doneness a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Just ensure they are chopped into small pieces to cook evenly with the orzo. Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Just add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to restore its creaminess. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty mushroom orzo dish without chicken. Just skip the chicken and use more mushrooms. I love using a mix of cremini and button mushrooms. They add great flavor and texture. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a full vegetarian meal. The creamy sauce still shines with heavy cream or coconut milk for a vegan twist. Want to boost the nutrition? Add more veggies! You can toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Chop them small so they cook well. Add them when you put in the mushrooms. You can also mix in frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and sweetness. This makes the dish even more vibrant and fun. Looking to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also try using Italian seasoning or a dash of lemon zest for brightness. Experiment with herbs like fresh basil or oregano. These add depth and freshness to your meal. Each tweak can change the dish in exciting ways. Enjoy the journey of flavor! After you enjoy your meal, let the One Pot Chicken Mushroom Orzo cool down. Use an airtight container to keep the dish fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal later on. Reheating is easy! Place the leftovers in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir it often until it's hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly and stay creamy. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Let the dish cool completely before you freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for about two to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned before. Enjoy your meal without the wait! Yes, you can use other types of pasta. While orzo works well, you might try small shapes like ditalini or even farfalle. Just remember that cooking times may differ. You should adjust the amount of broth based on the pasta type used. Keep an eye on it as it cooks. You can tell orzo is cooked when it is tender. It should not be hard or chewy. Taste a small spoonful to check. If it feels soft and creamy, it is ready to mix in the cream and spinach. Stir it often to make sure it cooks evenly. This dish pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread. A fresh green salad can balance the creaminess. You can also add some roasted veggies for more flavor and color. For drinks, try a crisp white wine or sparkling water. This makes the meal feel special. This blog post covered everything you need for a tasty One Pot Chicken Mushroom Orzo. We looked at the key ingredients, how to prepare the dish, and tips for perfect flavor. You learned about fun variations and how to store leftovers properly. Cooking can be easy and fun with the right steps. Enjoy making your dish, and don’t be afraid to try new flavors. Cooking is all about exploring, so have fun in your kitchen!

One Pot Creamy Chicken Mushroom Orzo

A delicious and creamy one-pot meal featuring chicken, mushrooms, and orzo pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Introduce the chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the orzo. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the mixture is creamy.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for added color and taste.
Keyword chicken, creamy, mushrooms, one-pot, orzo