Creamy Chicken Orzo With Peas & Spinach

This creamy chicken orzo recipe with peas and spinach is my go-to when I can’t decide between chicken soup and risotto. Using freezer staples, leftover chicken, orzo pasta, cream, and Parmesan, this comforting yet nutritious meal is ready in just 30 minutes.

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My Creamy Chicken Orzo

Discovering orzo pasta has been a game-changer for me. It’s similar to risotto but lighter and less starchy. Orzo retains a lovely al dente texture and adds structure to dishes.

Orzo, also known as risoni, is a short-cut pasta that resembles rice grains. It can be made from flour, whole grain, or semolina. Gluten-free options are also available.

Cook orzo like any other pasta, and use it in various dishes like salads, bakes, and one-pot meals. In this creamy chicken orzo with peas and spinach, the orzo is cooked in the sauce, infusing it with flavor and enriching the dish.

Make It Your Own

This chicken orzo recipe is versatile and can be customized with any leftover veggies or protein. I often use rotisserie chicken and whatever vegetables I have on hand, like peas and spinach. You can also try broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, shrimp, or asparagus.

This recipe comes together in 30 minutes and has become a family favorite due to its delicious and comforting nature.

What You Need

• Orzo – Use any brand of orzo in this recipe, adjusting cooking time as needed.
• Chicken – Leftover cooked chicken works well, but you can also use raw chicken and cook it with the vegetables.
• Vegetables – Onions, celery, and carrots form the base, along with garlic, peas, and spinach.
• For flavor – Chicken stock, lemon juice, zest, white wine, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Make it creamy – Finish with cream and Parmesan for a rich, umami flavor. Omit if dairy-free.

Watch The Video

How To Make This Chicken Orzo Recipe

For full recipe details and nutritional breakdown, see below. Here are step-by-step instructions and visual guides.

• Step 1. Thaw peas and spinach in boiling water.
• Step 2. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter and oil.
• Step 3. Add garlic, chicken, lemon, herbs, and wine.

• Step 4. Add orzo and chicken stock, simmer for 15 minutes.
• Step 5. Add spinach and peas, cook for another 5 minutes.
• Step 6. Stir in Parmesan and cream in the last few minutes.

• Step 7. Grate Parmesan cheese.
• Step 8. Stir in Parmesan and cream before serving.
• Garnish with basil or parsley.