Description

This One-Pot High Protein Chicken Orzo is a rich and creamy meal made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked orzo. Cooked all in one pan, it’s quick, easy, and packed with protein—making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken & Orzo:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or bone broth for extra protein)
½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for added greens)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

Fresh basil or parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Build the Sauce & Cook the Orzo

In the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.
Return the seared chicken to the pan, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Finish with Cream & Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and Parmesan.
Add spinach and let it wilt, about 2 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding red pepper flakes if desired.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve warm and enjoy a creamy, protein-packed meal!

Notes

Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap orzo for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meal
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: ~480 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: One-Pot Chicken Orzo, High-Protein Dinner, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Marry Me Chicken Orzo