Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When those busy weeknights hit and you’re craving something warm, hearty, and utterly delicious with minimal cleanup, my recipe for One-Pot Chicken and Orzo Pasta is your absolute hero. This dish is pure magic – tender, seasoned chicken and delicate orzo pasta cook together in a savory broth, all in a single pan! Get ready for a quick, flavorful dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but is incredibly easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a complete meal that cooks itself in one pot, minimizing cleanup and delivering maximum flavor? I’m absolutely obsessed with One-Pot Chicken and Orzo Pasta because it truly embodies that ideal. The chicken browns beautifully, creating a rich base, and then the orzo cooks directly in the seasoned broth, absorbing all those delicious savory flavors. Orzo’s tiny, rice-like shape is perfect for this method, cooking quickly and creating a creamy, risotto-like texture without all the stirring. It’s a lifesaver for busy evenings, fantastic for a comforting meal, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Plus, the fact that it’s ready so quickly makes it a weeknight dream!
The Genius of One-Pot Pasta and Orzo
The concept of “one-pot” or “one-pan” meals has revolutionized modern home cooking, driven by a universal desire for convenience without sacrificing flavor. This technique involves cooking dry pasta (or rice) directly in its sauce or seasoned broth, allowing the starches released from the pasta to naturally thicken the liquid, creating a rich, cohesive dish. This method not only simplifies the cooking process and drastically cuts down on cleanup but also ensures that the pasta absorbs maximum flavor from the other ingredients.
Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, is particularly well-suited for one-pot recipes due to its quick cooking time and its ability to create a creamy texture similar to risotto as it releases starch. This One-Pot Chicken and Orzo Pasta leverages these strengths, combining tender chicken with the versatile orzo in a flavorful broth, resulting in a comforting and incredibly easy meal. It’s a testament to how combining simple, beloved ingredients with an efficient cooking method can create a sophisticated yet incredibly accessible dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this quick, flavorful, and easy One-Pot Chicken and Orzo Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced (or 1 small shallot, minced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional, for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully. Thighs tend to stay a bit juicier. Cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. You can also use cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken; add it when the broth is added, and reduce simmering time by a few minutes.
- Orzo Pasta: This small pasta is ideal as it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Do NOT pre-cook the orzo.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness. A good quality broth will significantly impact the final flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes (Optional): Adding a can of undrained diced tomatoes gives the dish a lovely subtle tang and color, making it more like a hearty stew. If you prefer a lighter, less tomato-forward dish, you can omit them and use 1 cup more chicken broth.
- Spices: Dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are simple yet effective. You can add a pinch of dried oregano or thyme for a deeper herbaceous note.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds a wonderful salty, umami note. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that make the sauce grainy.
- Aromatics: Onion or shallots, combined with garlic, provide a solid flavor base.
- Veggies (Optional): You can stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this delicious one-pan meal cooking in a flash!
- Sear Chicken: In a large (12-inch or larger) high-sided skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the finely diced onion (or shallot) and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth & Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these are packed with flavor! If using, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Make sure all the orzo is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer & Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine & Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo mixture. Stir in the 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash or two of water or extra chicken broth until your desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot directly from the pan.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Pre-Cook Pasta: The magic of a one-pot pasta is that the pasta cooks directly in the seasoned broth, absorbing flavor and releasing starches that naturally thicken the sauce.
- Sear Chicken First: Browning the chicken adds a crucial depth of flavor to the entire dish.
- Stir Occasionally: While the orzo is simmering, give it a stir every few minutes to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook Orzo: Orzo cooks very quickly! It will be tender but should still hold its shape. It will continue to absorb liquid and soften a bit even after being removed from the heat.
- Tight-Fitting Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential for trapping steam, which cooks the orzo and chicken evenly.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts smoother and has a superior flavor compared to pre-grated.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
One-Pot Chicken and Orzo Pasta is a complete and satisfying meal, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Garlic Bread: Essential for soaking up any extra delicious sauce. Consider a quick batch of Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for a fun bread side.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Asparagus or Steamed Green Beans: Quick, green vegetable sides.
- Beverage Pairings: A crisp white wine like a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio would complement the flavors beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.
Storage and Leftover Tips
One-Pot Chicken and Orzo Pasta makes fantastic leftovers!
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The orzo will absorb more liquid, and the dish will thicken considerably.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to thin out the mixture and bring it back to your desired creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
- Freezing: Freezing is possible, but the texture of the orzo can sometimes become softer upon thawing. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently, adding liquid as needed.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the ease and comfort of this one-pot meal, you might also like these other hearty and time-saving recipes:
- For another fantastic one-pan dinner that’s always a hit, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you love classic pasta dishes, check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- For a super easy way to feed a crowd fast, check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
- If you’re looking for a lighter chicken option that’s still bursting with flavor, my A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight!) is excellent.
- And for a comforting, hearty soup, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a winner.
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Chicken and Orzo Pasta is a true triumph of comfort food – it offers all the rich, savory, and cozy flavors you crave in a hearty pasta dish, with the incredible convenience of one-pot cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or simply indulging in pure comfort. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
I hope you give this amazing one-pot wonder a try and enjoy every flavorful bite! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes a new favorite in your household, or what your go-to quick and easy weeknight meals are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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