Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken

There are some dinners that instantly feel like home—warm, creamy, packed with flavor, and nourishing in every bite. Spinach mushroom orzo with chicken is one of those dishes. It delivers the richness of a creamy pasta, the heartiness of a skillet meal, and the warmth of a homemade comfort recipe—all in under 40 minutes and in just one pan.

The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and velvety orzo creates a beautifully balanced meal that feels gourmet but is easy enough for any weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy bowl of something delicious, this dish is a guaranteed favorite.

Why This Dish Works So Well

The magic of this recipe lies in how each ingredient complements the others:

• Orzo cooks like pasta but gives a creamy, risotto-like texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.

• Chicken adds satisfying protein and richness.

• Mushrooms bring umami depth that transforms the entire dish.

• Spinach offers brightness, color, and essential nutrients.

• Parmesan, broth, lemon, and aromatics tie everything together into a warm, comforting bowl.

It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it took hours—but comes together fast, with minimal cleanup.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Medium saucepan (if cooking orzo separately)

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Tongs

Ingredients List for Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken

For the Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts or thighs (thighs stay juicier)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

For the Orzo and Vegetables

• 1 tbsp butter (or more olive oil)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for extra creaminess)

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Feel free to personalize: add sun-dried tomatoes, use kale instead of spinach, or stir in peas for extra sweetness.

Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: 35–40 minutes

• Servings: 4 generous servings

How to Make Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken

This dish is simple, but using a few professional techniques ensures exceptional flavor and texture.

Step 1. Season and Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken dry to help it brown properly. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked—it will finish later. Remove and set aside.

Expert Tip: Browning builds flavor. The caramelized bits on the bottom (fond) will add incredible depth to your orzo.

Step 2. Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

Add mushrooms and let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes. This helps them brown instead of steam.

Why this matters: Properly browned mushrooms give a meaty, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Step 3. Toast the Orzo

Add the dry orzo to the pan and stir to coat it in the butter and mushroom mixture. Toasting adds nuttiness and prevents mushiness.

Step 4. Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet.

Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Pro Insight: Keep the heat at medium. Too high, and the broth evaporates before the orzo softens.

Step 5. Add Spinach, Cream, and Cheese

Remove the chicken and slice it.

Stir spinach, Parmesan, and cream into the orzo. The spinach will wilt instantly, and the Parmesan will give it a luxurious, creamy texture.

Add lemon juice and stir.

Return sliced chicken to the pan and gently fold everything together.

Flavor Variations You’ll Love

One-pan meals shine when they’re customizable. Try these ideas:

Mediterranean Style

• Add sun-dried tomatoes

• Swap Parmesan for feta

• Add olives or roasted peppers

Creamy Alfredo Twist

• Add extra cream

• Increase Parmesan

• Stir in extra garlic

Herb-Loaded Version

• Add thyme or rosemary while sautéing

• Finish with fresh basil or parsley

Protein Alternatives

• Shrimp

• Turkey

• Rotisserie chicken (add at the end)

Nutritional Facts (Approx. per Serving)

• Calories: 420–480

• Protein: 32–36g

• Carbohydrates: 42–48g

• Fat: 14–18g

• Fiber: 3–4g

Values vary slightly based on cream, broth, and cheese amounts.

Nutrition Benefits of This Meal

This dish is not just comforting—it’s balanced and nourishing.

• High in Protein: Chicken supports muscle recovery and keeps you full longer.

• Packed with Vitamins: Spinach and mushrooms provide vitamins A, C, K, folate, antioxidants, and minerals.

• Energy-Steadying Carbs: Orzo offers slow-burning energy without feeling heavy.

• Bone-Supporting Calcium: Parmesan adds flavor and beneficial nutrients.

It’s a complete meal your body and taste buds will appreciate.

What to Serve with This Dish

While it’s satisfying on its own, these sides pair beautifully:

• Crusty garlic bread

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts

• A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

Storage & Reheating Tips

This recipe tastes fantastic the next day too.

Storage

• Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Add a splash of broth before chilling to maintain creaminess.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a tablespoon of broth or water to revive the silky texture.

This comforting dinner pairs perfectly with other favorites like Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup, Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Veggies, and Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet.

Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: dinner

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts or thighs thighs stay juicier
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Orzo and Vegetables

• 1 tbsp butter or more olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 cups mushrooms sliced (cremini or button)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half optional, for extra creaminess
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Feel free to personalize: add sun-dried tomatoes use kale instead of spinach, or stir in peas for extra sweetness.

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan (if cooking orzo separately)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs

Method

 

Step 1. Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken dry to help it brown properly. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked—it will finish later. Remove and set aside.
3. Expert Tip: Browning builds flavor. The caramelized bits on the bottom (fond) will add incredible depth to your orzo.

Step 2. Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

1. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Add mushrooms and let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes. This helps them brown instead of steam.
3. Why this matters: Properly browned mushrooms give a meaty, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Step 3. Toast the Orzo

1. Add the dry orzo to the pan and stir to coat it in the butter and mushroom mixture. Toasting adds nuttiness and prevents mushiness.

Step 4. Simmer Everything Together

1. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet.
2. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Pro Insight: Keep the heat at medium. Too high, and the broth evaporates before the orzo softens.

Step 5. Add Spinach, Cream, and Cheese

1. Remove the chicken and slice it.
2. Stir spinach, Parmesan, and cream into the orzo. The spinach will wilt instantly, and the Parmesan will give it a luxurious, creamy texture.
3. Add lemon juice and stir.
4. Return sliced chicken to the pan and gently fold everything together.

Conclusion

This spinach mushroom orzo with chicken brings together creamy orzo, juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent. With its one-pan convenience, customizable variations, and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s a meal that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles without sacrificing satisfaction.

Serve it hot, garnish with herbs, and enjoy a bowl that feels like homemade comfort at its finest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness and flavor.

2. Do I need to cook the orzo separately?

Not always. Orzo can be cooked directly in the skillet with broth for more flavor, as long as liquid amounts are adjusted.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter and a splash of broth or dairy-free cream alternative for creaminess.

4. What vegetables can I substitute or add?

Sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, peas, or zucchini pair nicely with spinach and mushrooms.

5. How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.