Go Back
Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken

Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
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.