Name: One Pot Creamy Chicken: 7 Simple Steps to Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup orzo pasta; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup spinach (fresh, chopped); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish); Extra Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

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One Pot Creamy Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and flavorful orzo pasta in one pot. This quick and easy meal fits perfectly into a busy weeknight schedule while delivering comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food that warms the heart and fills the belly, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Chicken

This one pot creamy chicken recipe is not just easy; it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. Here are several reasons to love it:

Quick cooking time of just 25 minutes.
Minimal cleanup with only one pot required.
Perfect for families, yielding 4 servings.
Versatile with options to include various vegetables.
Rich, creamy sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
Healthy option with gluten-free one pot creamy chicken.

This dish is an ideal choice for a quick one pot creamy chicken meal, and it serves as a fantastic base for variations like one pot creamy chicken with vegetables.

Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Chicken

Gather these items:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup orzo pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup spinach (fresh, chopped)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Extra Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

How to Make One Pot Creamy Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Add the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and mix well.
Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve the creamy chicken orzo hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect One Pot Creamy Chicken

Keep these in mind:

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking the orzo to prevent it from sticking.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.

Best Ways to Serve One Pot Creamy Chicken

Try these serving ideas:

Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Top with extra herbs for added flavor and freshness.

This is a great one pot creamy chicken casserole in one pot that you can enjoy with family and friends.

How to Store and Reheat One Pot Creamy Chicken

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For meal prep, this recipe is perfect as it reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Creamy Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Creamy Chicken?

The secret lies in browning the chicken properly before adding the other ingredients. This step enhances the flavor of the dish, making it a delicious simple one pot creamy chicken dish.

Can I make One Pot Creamy Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for quick meals throughout the week. It’s a wonderful option for one pot creamy chicken for meal prep.

How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Creamy Chicken?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the orzo and stir regularly to prevent sticking. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results, especially when making a one pot chicken with creamy sauce.

Variations of One Pot Creamy Chicken You Can Try

Explore these tasty variations:

One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add extra garlic for a robust flavor.
One Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
One Pot Creamy Chicken and Spinach: Mix in more spinach for a healthy boost.
One Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken: Add lemon zest for a refreshing acidity.

This Italian-inspired dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for various diets including gluten-free.

For more delicious recipes, check out last recipes or try making creamy potato soup for a comforting meal. If you’re looking for a quick dessert, gingerbread cookies are a great option!

One Pot Creamy Chicken: 7 Simple Steps to Comfort

Author: basmer
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

One-Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo is a quick and easy meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and orzo pasta.

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
Add the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and mix well.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the creamy chicken orzo hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.