Name: One Pot Chicken and Mushroom Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup orzo pasta; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tsp fresh thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbsp lemon juice; Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Short Description

This One Pot Chicken and Mushroom Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy orzo in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort and cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Everything is cooked in a single pot, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.
Rich and Creamy – The orzo absorbs all the delicious flavors, creating a velvety texture.
Hearty and Filling – With protein-packed chicken and nutritious mushrooms, this meal is satisfying and nourishing.
Versatile – Easily adaptable with different proteins, vegetables, and seasonings.
Perfect for Busy Nights – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for hectic schedules.

Ingredients

chicken breast or thighs olive oil butter yellow onion garlic mushrooms orzo pasta chicken broth heavy cream Parmesan cheese fresh thyme salt black pepper red pepper flakes (optional) lemon juice fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Sauté the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics – In the same pot, melt butter and sauté the onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add Mushrooms – Stir in the mushrooms and cook until softened and browned.
Toast the Orzo – Add the orzo to the pot and stir, allowing it to lightly toast for a minute to enhance its flavor.
Simmer – Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Return the Chicken – Slice or shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
Make it Creamy – Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Final Touches – Squeeze in a bit of lemon juice for brightness and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve and Enjoy – Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Variations

Swap the Protein – Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
Make it Dairy-Free – Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Add More Vegetables – Stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Spice it Up – Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat.
Use a Different Pasta – Try small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous if orzo is unavailable.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain moisture.
Freezing – While not ideal due to the creamy texture, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well. Simply stir it in towards the end of cooking.

What type of mushrooms work best?

Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms all work well in this recipe.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the dish may be less creamy. You can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch if needed.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works fine; use about half the amount of fresh thyme.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but the orzo will absorb liquid as it sits. Add extra broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Stir frequently while cooking and add a little extra broth if needed.

What side dishes go well with this meal?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this dish.

Can I add white wine for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth for a depth of flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy texture and mild flavors make it a hit with kids.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chicken and Mushroom Orzo is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich flavors, creamy textures, and easy preparation. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a dish that feels indulgent without the hassle, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Try it out today and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple!

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