Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This orzo dinner is a complete meal in itself: tender pasta, juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, herbed sauce that feels luxurious without being heavy. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for weeknights when you want something wholesome but not complicated. The orzo absorbs all the rich flavors of the broth, creating a dish that’s silky, savory, and deeply satisfying.
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Best Orzo Dinner Recipe – Creamy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Night
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Best Orzo Dinner Recipe is a simple, one-pan meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. Tender orzo pasta is cooked with garlic, herbs, vegetables, and your choice of protein — all in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s comforting yet light enough for any season.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional protein: 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly golden.
- Pour in the broth, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, butter, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- If adding protein, fold in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas and heat through.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute milk or unsweetened almond milk for the cream.
- Toast the orzo before adding liquid for extra flavor and nuttiness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days — reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Orzo pasta is the star — small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully.
Olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the ingredients.
Chicken breast or thighs provide hearty protein and complement the creamy sauce.
Garlic adds aroma and depth of flavor to the dish.
Yellow onion brings sweetness and savory balance to the orzo.
Chicken broth infuses the orzo with flavor as it cooks, giving it that risotto-like consistency.
Heavy cream adds a touch of creaminess and richness to the sauce.
Baby spinach provides color, freshness, and nutrients, wilting beautifully into the warm orzo.
Parmesan cheese gives the dish a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
Lemon juice brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
Salt and black pepper season the dish perfectly.
Fresh parsley (optional) adds color and freshness before serving.
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, coating it in the oil and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10 minutes).
Stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. I like adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little extra flair.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the orzo creamy and tender.
Variations and Customizations
Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo
Add extra lemon zest and fresh thyme or dill for a bright, herby twist.
Tomato Basil Orzo
Stir in cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a light Mediterranean flavor.
Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Add sautéed mushrooms for a rich, earthy depth.
Shrimp Orzo Skillet
Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood version that cooks in minutes.
Greek-Inspired Orzo
Mix in feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, bold flavor.
Pesto Orzo
Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for a quick, vibrant green sauce.
Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth — add chickpeas or roasted vegetables for protein.
Spicy Cajun Orzo
Season with Cajun spices and add sausage for a smoky, spicy kick.
Bacon and Pea Orzo
Fold in crispy bacon bits and green peas for a comforting, kid-friendly meal.
Caprese Style
Top with mozzarella pearls and a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
FAQs
1. What is orzo?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and is perfect for one-pan dishes.
2. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells work, but cooking times may vary.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well — just add a splash of broth when reheating.
5. Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time.
6. How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir occasionally while it cooks and don’t overcook it.
7. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well before adding.
8. Can I make it vegetarian?
Easily — replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken.
9. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Zucchini, bell peppers, or peas make great additions.
10. How can I make it extra creamy?
Add an extra spoonful of cream cheese or more Parmesan at the end.
Conclusion
This Best Orzo Dinner Recipe combines creamy comfort with quick convenience — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Every spoonful is packed with flavor, from the tender pasta and juicy chicken to the velvety sauce and fresh spinach. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s endlessly versatile and guaranteed to please the whole family. Once you try it, you’ll see why this orzo dish earns its place as a go-to weeknight favorite.
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