Dinner

Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo with Grilled Chicken Recipe

Name: Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo with Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced (seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Byreem everly November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo with Grilled Chicken is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender orzo pasta with a luscious spinach cream sauce, topped with juicy grilled chicken. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect dinner for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat.

A close-up of a black skillet filled with creamy orzo mixed with wilted green spinach, creating a light textured base scattered with green herb pieces and small red chili flakes. On top, there are five thick slices of grilled chicken breast with charred marks and a golden brown color, arranged in a row in the center. The skillet handle is red, and it sits on a round wooden board with a few scattered green herbs. In the background, there are two pieces of toasted bread and a small bowl of pale yellow sauce, all set on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced (seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add onion powder, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Add the cooked orzo to the creamy spinach sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Serve the creamy orzo on plates and top with sliced grilled chicken.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Add more vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Substitute grilled chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different protein option.
Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs such as basil or thyme to the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo with Grilled Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving to maintain the creamy texture.