Name: One Pot Parmesan Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic; 5 ounces baby spinach; 24-ounce jar marinara sauce; 2 1/2 cups water; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped basil leaves; 12 ounces uncooked orzo; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

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There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty, cozy meal that comes together quickly with minimal fuss, and that’s exactly what you get with One Pot Parmesan Chicken and Orzo. This luscious Italian-inspired skillet has juicy chicken, tender orzo, a vibrant marinara sauce, and a generous crown of gooey, melty cheese — all in one pan. It’s a weeknight hero for busy families and truly shines at the table with its bold flavors and beautiful colors. One bite of this cheesy goodness and you’ll want to make it on repeat.

One Pot Parmesan Chicken and Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in One Pot Parmesan Chicken and Orzo plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s rich, savory, and perfectly balanced. The list is refreshingly simple, focusing on pantry and fridge staples, but trust me — each one brings something special to the table, from punchy aromatic herbs to velvety cheese pulls.

Olive oil: Adds deep flavor and helps to brown the chicken beautifully for that irresistible savory base.
Chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into 1-inch chunks): Lean protein that soaks up all the herby, tomatoey sauce and remains ultra juicy.
Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): Delivers the signature warmth and complexity of classic Italian flavors in a single sprinkle.
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Key for seasoning every layer and drawing out maximum flavor from each ingredient.
Diced yellow onion (1/2 cup): Lends a subtle sweetness and depth as the flavor backbone of the sauce.
Garlic powder (3/4 teaspoon) or 2 cloves minced garlic: Garlic gives that essential aromatic lift, whether you use powder or fresh.
Baby spinach (5 ounces): A smart way to sneak in greens, adding vibrant color and gentle earthiness.
Marinara sauce (24-ounce jar): The star of the sauce, bringing bold tomato flavor and aromatic herbs, making things super simple.
Water (2 1/2 cups): Helps the orzo cook to tender perfection and keeps everything saucy.
Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a subtle tanginess that brightens the entire dish.
Basil leaves, chopped (2 tablespoons): Brings freshness and that classic peppery-sweet herbal kick.
Uncooked orzo (12 ounces): The pasta shape of the hour, cooking up gorgeously creamy and tender right in the sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Creates those satisfying, cheesy strings when you serve it piping hot.
Shredded Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Provides a sharp, nutty richness and that familiar topping we all crave.

How to Make One Pot Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a big pot, Dutch oven, or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, and cook until the pieces are golden and cooked through. The sizzle and aroma right now are irresistible! Once the chicken is cooked, scoop it out onto a plate — it’ll jump back into the pan later.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In that same pot, toss in your diced onion, baby spinach, and garlic powder (or fresh garlic). Stir everything around for 2–3 minutes, letting the onions soften and the spinach wilt. That burst of green is as lovely to look at as it is to eat, and everything picks up the fond (all that tasty, browned goodness on the bottom of the pan) from the chicken.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce, water, balsamic vinegar (if using), and chopped basil. Stir it all together and bring the mixture to a happy, bubbling boil. The kitchen will start smelling like your favorite trattoria, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Add the uncooked orzo to your bubbling pot, give it a good stir, then drop the heat down to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes so the orzo doesn’t stick. If the sauce starts looking too thick before the orzo is soft, just splash in a bit more water to keep things creamy.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Cheese

Tumble your cooked chicken back into the pot and stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed (though, honestly, it’s hard to resist going straight in with a spoon!). Sprinkle the remaining cheese all over the top, pop the lid on, and let the heat melt everything into gooey deliciousness for another minute or two.

How to Serve One Pot Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

Garnishes

For a fresh, restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle your One Pot Parmesan Chicken and Orzo with extra chopped basil, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or even a pinch of Italian seasoning. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds gorgeous flavor and that glossy, crave-worthy look.

Side Dishes

This all-in-one meal really doesn’t need much, but if you love a little something on the side, try some toasty garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette. The flavors play so well with the cozy, saucy notes of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your One Pot Parmesan Chicken and Orzo family-style, straight from the skillet (let everyone dig in!), or spoon it into shallow pasta bowls for an elegant touch. For date night, try a sprinkle of crispy fried sage leaves on top, or, for a kid-friendly twist, offer extra mozzarella for an ooey-gooey cheese pull at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the One Pot Parmesan Chicken and Orzo cool to room temperature before spooning it into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, and enjoy easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners on busy nights.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes quite well! Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. The orzo might soften a bit after reheating, but the flavors remain wonderfully bold and rich.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash or two of water or extra marinara to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and even more flavorful. Just make sure to trim extra fat and cut into pieces similar in size to ensure they cook evenly with the orzo and sauce.

Is there a substitute for orzo?

If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even pearl couscous can work. Be aware that cooking times may vary, so check for doneness as you go.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and double up on the baby spinach or add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or white beans for extra protein and heartiness. The saucy, cheesy base will still be absolutely crave-worthy!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! You can toss in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or peas with the onions and spinach. The recipe is flexible, and more veggies mean even more color and nutrition.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Stir the pot every couple of minutes, especially while the orzo is cooking, and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan. Adding a bit of extra water as needed will keep things creamy and prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is pure comfort in a single pan — fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with a smile. I think you’ll love how easily it comes together and how satisfying those cheesy bites are. Give this recipe a try, share it with your favorite people, and let it become your new weeknight classic!