Experience the ultimate comfort food with this One Pot Chicken and Mushroom Orzo. Tender, golden-brown chicken thighs are paired with creamy orzo pasta, savory mushrooms, and fresh baby spinach, all cooked together in a single pot for a flavorful and convenient meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing dishes and simplifying your cooking process.
Rich and Creamy Texture: The orzo absorbs the savory flavors of the chicken and mushrooms, resulting in a luscious, creamy consistency.
Nutritious and Balanced: Incorporating baby spinach and mushrooms adds vitamins and minerals, making this dish both hearty and healthy.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Unsalted butter
Cremini mushrooms
Shallots
Garlic
Fresh thyme leaves
All-purpose flour
Chicken stock
Dijon mustard
Orzo pasta
Baby spinach
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Heavy cream
Fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the cremini mushrooms and shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and Dijon mustard, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked through, about 6 minutes.
Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the baby spinach, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Continue to cook until the spinach has wilted and the sauce has thickened, about 3 minutes.
Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the orzo mixture. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Add extra mushrooms or other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added substance.
Grain Alternative: Replace orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice; adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Leafy Greens: Kale or arugula can be used in place of spinach for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish until heated through.
Freezing: Due to the cream content, freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may be less juicy than thighs. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What can I use instead of cremini mushrooms?

White button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms can be used as substitutes.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for heavy cream?

You can use full-fat coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pasta alternative and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How can I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot?

Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.

What type of Parmesan cheese is best?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

How do I know when the orzo is cooked?

The orzo should be tender yet slightly firm to the bite, similar to al dente pasta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but the orzo may continue to absorb liquid. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.

What herbs can I use if I don’t have thyme?

Fresh rosemary or oregano can be great alternatives. You can also use dried thyme, though use less as it’s more concentrated.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chicken and Mushroom Orzo is a deliciously creamy, savory dish that brings together hearty ingredients in a single pan. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, its balance of textures and flavors will surely impress. Easy to make and easier to love, it’s a go-to recipe for comfort and convenience.