One‑Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo with Mushrooms, Spinach, and Basil Pesto
This creamy chicken orzo is a comforting one-pan dinner with mushrooms, spinach, pesto, and Parmesan—ready in 30 minutes and full of rich Italian-inspired flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: ~20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course, One-Pan Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 Tbsp olive oil
8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup orzo
2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup baby spinach leaves
¼ cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp basil pesto
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish:
Extra pesto
Fresh basil leaves
Lemon zest
Instructions
Brown the chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 5–6 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté mushrooms and garlic: Add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté mushrooms until browned and softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Toast orzo: Add orzo to the skillet, toasting for 2 minutes while stirring. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is nearly al dente.
Combine and finish: Return chicken to the skillet, add spinach, and cook until spinach wilts and chicken is cooked through. Reduce heat to low, stir in cream, Parmesan, and pesto until smooth and creamy.
Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with extra pesto, lemon zest, or basil if desired.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing not recommended: Due to cream and pesto, the texture may change.
Variations: Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage, stir in roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes, or use goat cheese in place of Parmesan.
