Description
A super simple cheese, spinach and chicken orzo dish
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lb Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1½ lb Orzo
- ½ Yellow Onion (diced)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 3 tbsp Flour
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 cup Chicken Broth
- 2 cup Cheddar (shredded)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 cup Fresh Spinach (chopped)
Instructions
- Step: Start water boiling for pasta.
- Step: In large sauce pan over medium high heat, add oil, onions and garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes then add chicken, Sprinkle with thyme, paprika, salt and pepper. Continue to sauté until chicken is cooked through.
- Step: Add butter to chicken. Once melted, add flour and cook for 3 minutes. Add in chicken broth and stir until fully incorporated. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer another 5 minutes.
- Step: Add orzo to boiling water. Cook as directed on the package. Drain in colander and rinse with cool water.
- Step: Add heavy cream to chicken. Stir to fully combine, then add in cheese. Once fully incorporated remove from heat. Next add cooked orzo and spinach and stir to combine.
Notes
Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, or medium or mild cheddar based on preference. Pepper jack is a great alternative for a spicy kick. Spinach can be substituted with steamed broccoli. This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 1050 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1250 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 82 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 58 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: cheese, Chicken, chicken and pasta, orzo, spinach