If you’re craving a cozy, creamy dinner but don’t want a sink full of dishes, this creamy one pot chicken orzo is about to become your new go-to. It’s one of those easy one pot meals that feels a little “restaurant-ish” (hello, creamy orzo!).

It’s totally doable on a weeknight even with kids asking what’s for dinner every five minutes. Everything cooks in one pot, the orzo turns silky, and the chicken stays tender. I make this when I want quick and easy dinner recipes for family nights that still feel special… with almost zero cleanup.

Why You’ll Love my Creamy One Pot Chicken Orzo

This is the kind of one pot dinner that checks every box: creamy, filling, and family-friendly, while still being a quick one pot meal you can pull off on a busy Tuesday. Orzo is pasta shaped like rice, and it cooks up fast while soaking in all the flavors in the pot so you get that “stirred risotto” vibe without constant babysitting. It’s also endlessly flexible, which is why I love it for one pot meals recipes when I need to work with what’s already in the fridge.

Simple Ingredients

A quick peek at what makes this creamy chicken orzo so flavorful no complicated extras needed.

Chicken breast (or thighs): Lean and quick-cooking; thighs stay extra juicy if your crew prefers tender bites.
Orzo: The star of the show turns creamy as it simmers and is perfect for one pot meals pasta nights.
Onion: Adds sweet, savory depth that makes everything taste slow-cooked.
Garlic: Brings that cozy “walk into the kitchen and smile” aroma.
Chicken broth: Builds big flavor right in the pot and helps the orzo cook evenly.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky and rich without needing extra steps.
Parmesan cheese: Melts in for salty, nutty comfort great for picky eaters.
Baby spinach: Wilts in at the end for an easy veggie win.
Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and start the flavor base.
Italian seasoning: A simple blend that keeps this weeknight-friendly.
Paprika: Adds warmth and a gentle savory boost.
Salt & black pepper: The finishing touches that pull everything together.
Lemon (optional): A squeeze at the end brightens the whole pot.

Servings and Time

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Recommended Equipment

Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven (with lid)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and measuring spoons
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Microplane or grater (for parmesan)
Ladle (optional, for broth)

What is Needed

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
1 1/2 cups orzo
4 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (Affiliate)
2 cups baby spinach
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for serving)

How to Make Creamy One Pot Chicken Orzo

Pat chicken dry, then toss with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes until lightly browned (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove to a plate.
In the same skillet, add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add orzo to the skillet and stir for 1 minute so it lightly toasts and gets coated in the flavorful oil.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice so the orzo doesn’t stick.
Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add the chicken (and any juices) back into the skillet. Simmer 2–3 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
Stir in spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Adjust salt and pepper. Top with extra parmesan and basil if you like, then serve warm.

What To Serve With This Recipe

Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
Simple green cucumber-tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted broccoli or green beans
Steamed peas (kid-friendly and easy)
A side of fruit for little ones (grapes or sliced oranges work great)

Top Tips

Cut chicken evenly so it cooks at the same speed (no tiny dry pieces, no giant undercooked chunks).
Stir often once the orzo is in—orzo loves to settle, and stirring keeps it creamy and prevents sticking.
Make it picky-eater friendly: keep spinach on the side and stir it into only the grown-up bowls if needed.
Thicker than you want? Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating—orzo drinks sauce as it sits.
Make-ahead shortcut: chop onion/garlic and cube chicken in the morning, then dinner comes together fast.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Chicken Orzo: add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella with the parmesan for extra cozy vibes.
Chicken Orzo Broccoli: stir in 2 cups small broccoli florets during the last 3–4 minutes of simmering.
Chicken Sausage version: swap chicken breast for sliced chicken sausage for a super easy one pot dinner.
Lighter option: use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce parmesan slightly.
Summer spin: add halved cherry tomatoes at the end and finish with extra lemon for an easy one pot meal for summer.

How to Store and Reheat

Store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, adding a small splash of liquid if needed.
Freezing note: Cream sauces can change texture after freezing, but it’s still doable freeze up to 2 months and reheat gently with extra cream/broth while stirring.

Check out one pot rice cooker meals for more easy dinner recipe inspiration!