Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo is a delightful marriage of flavors that transforms a classic dip into a wholesome meal. This creamy, protein-packed dish combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and artichoke hearts, making it a comforting weeknight hero. Inspired by the beloved spinach-artichoke dip, this recipe brings cozy flavors to your dinner table in no time. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your menu!
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo
This recipe is not just delicious; it’s filled with benefits. First, it’s a healthy spinach artichoke chicken dish that packs in nutrients while satisfying your cravings. Second, it’s a quick, easy spinach artichoke chicken meal that takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. Third, it’s versatile, allowing you to make variations like a spinach artichoke chicken casserole or spinach artichoke stuffed chicken orzo. Fourth, it’s perfect for meal prep, helping you stay organized during busy weeks. Fifth, it boasts high protein content, making it ideal for health-conscious eaters. Lastly, it’s a one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor!
Ingredients for Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo
Gather these items:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed & drained)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Add extra chicken, white beans, or chickpeas
- Use riced cauliflower or shirataki noodles for low carb
- Use dairy-free yogurt & cheese alternatives
- Add a fried or poached egg on top
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 2: Stir in garlic and uncooked orzo. Toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add spinach, artichokes, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until creamy. Squeeze lemon juice on top.
- Step 5: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top. Serve warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo
Keep these in mind:
- This dish is inspired by spinach-artichoke dip, so feel free to add even more cheese for extra creaminess!
- Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, make sure to serve it warm for the best experience.
- Can be customized with additional proteins or vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
- For a lighter version, substitute riced cauliflower or shirataki noodles for a low-carb option.
- Cook in batches and store for easy meal prep throughout the week.
Best Ways to Serve Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo
This dish shines when paired with a fresh salad or crusty bread. Consider serving it alongside a spinach artichoke orzo salad recipe for a light and refreshing contrast. Alternatively, top with more cheese and bake in a casserole dish for a delightful spinach artichoke chicken bake experience!
How to Store and Reheat Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. This dish is perfect for spinach artichoke chicken orzo for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo
What is spinach artichoke chicken orzo?
Spinach artichoke chicken orzo is a creamy, protein-packed dish that blends chicken, orzo pasta, spinach, and artichoke hearts. It’s inspired by the classic spinach-artichoke dip and offers a nutritious twist.
Can I make spinach artichoke chicken orzo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Simply cook as directed, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving for an easy weeknight dinner.
How do I avoid common mistakes with spinach artichoke chicken orzo?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure you don’t overcook the orzo, which can lead to a mushy texture. Stir frequently while cooking to ensure even doneness and flavor integration.
Variations of Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo You Can Try
For different flavors, consider these variations:
- Add roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor.
- Substitute quinoa for orzo for a wholesome grain alternative.
- Incorporate shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian option.
- Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist.
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo: 5 Reasons to Love This Dish
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo Bakes is a creamy, protein-packed one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High Protein
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed & drained)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Add extra chicken, white beans, or chickpeas
- Use riced cauliflower or shirataki noodles for low carb
- Use dairy-free yogurt & cheese alternatives
- Add a fried or poached egg on top
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
- Stir in garlic and uncooked orzo. Toast 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add spinach, artichokes, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until creamy. Squeeze lemon juice on top.
- Broil 2–3 minutes for a golden top. Serve warm.
Notes
- This dish is inspired by spinach-artichoke dip.
- Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
- Can be customized with additional proteins or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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