25 Minute Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal? This 25-Minute Chicken Orzo Pasta is a perfect choice! It’s a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, creamy orzo, and fresh vegetables, all cooked together in a flavorful broth. This dish is a go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken (10 Minutes)

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
3. Remove & Rest: Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let it rest while you prepare the orzo.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo (10 Minutes)

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Toast the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Add Tomatoes & Broth: Add the cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
4. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the orzo cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.

Step 3: Finish & Serve (5 Minutes)

1. Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using), lemon juice, and lemon zest. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
2. Slice the Chicken: Cut the rested chicken into thin slices or cubes.
3. Combine Everything: Add the sliced chicken back to the pan and stir in baby spinach (if using) until slightly wilted.
4. Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

• Toast the Orzo: This adds a subtle nutty flavor to the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: It should be tender but not mushy. If needed, add more broth for a creamier texture.
• Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish.

Ingredient Swaps

• Swap Chicken for Shrimp: Cook shrimp separately and add at the end.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip Parmesan.

Variations & Customizations

Spicy Chicken Orzo

• Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Stir in a spoonful of harissa or hot sauce for heat.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo

• Use heavy cream and add an extra clove of garlic for more richness.
• Stir in cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

• Add feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Use fresh herbs like oregano and dill instead of Italian seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with:

• Side Salad – A crisp Greek or Caesar salad balances the richness.
• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Final Thoughts

This 25-Minute Chicken Orzo Pasta is the perfect balance of comfort food and quick meal prep. Whether you make it creamy, spicy, or Mediterranean-style, it’s sure to be a hit!

Yield: 4

25 Minute Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe

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Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal? This 25-Minute Chicken Orzo Pasta is a perfect choice! It’s a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, creamy orzo, and fresh vegetables, all cooked together in a flavorful broth. This dish is a go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
   Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Orzo:
   In the same skillet, add another tbsp of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Stir in the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
   
3. Simmer:
   Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
   
4. Combine & Finish:
   Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes and spinach (if using). Stir and cook for 2 more minutes.
   Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and feta cheese.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Notes

• Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
• Protein Swap: Use shrimp or chickpeas for a different twist.
• Serving Suggestion: Pairs well with a side of roasted veggies or a simple green salad.