This Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a tasty dish, mixing juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and orzo pasta all in one skillet. It’s a simple meal that’s great for busy nights!
I love how the flavors blend together, and the cleanup is super easy—just one pan! Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that looks as good as it tastes? Your family will be asking for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and easy. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use thigh fillets for added flavor and moisture!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a great texture, but if you can’t find it, try using any small pasta like ditalini, or even quinoa or rice as gluten-free alternatives.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or milk, but know that this will change the creaminess a bit. You can also use a non-dairy cream for a vegan version.
Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, but you can always swap in cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a cheesy kick.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add sweetness. If it’s off-season, canned diced tomatoes will work too—just drain them first!
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly?
The key to juicy, perfectly cooked chicken is not to rush the cooking process. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with chicken at room temperature—take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Season well! Paprika and garlic powder bring out great flavor; feel free to experiment with your favorite spices.
- Cook over medium-high heat. Browning adds flavor. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer—165°F is the magic number!
- Let it rest a few minutes before slicing to keep those juices inside.
With these tips and ingredient notes, your Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo will be a hit every time!
Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take approximately 30 minutes of total time. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and then around 20 minutes cooking everything in one pan. A quick and satisfying dinner is just around the corner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for great flavor. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This will add a wonderful aroma to your dish!
3. Toast the Orzo:
Next, stir in the orzo pasta into the skillet, making sure it’s well coated in the oil and onions. Toast the orzo for about 1-2 minutes, which helps to enhance its flavor.
4. Add Broth and Cream:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to cook until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, which should take about 10 minutes.
5. Add Spinach and Tomatoes:
After the orzo has softened, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and the fresh spinach. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly soft.
6. Mix in the Cheese:
Now, reduce the heat to low and mix in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until it’s melted and creamy. This will add a delicious cheesy flavor to the dish! Tweak the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Assemble and Serve:
Grab the chicken breasts you previously cooked, slice them, and lay them on top of your creamy orzo mixture. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
This creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is not just easy to make, but it’s also filling and perfect for family dinners. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute Another Type of Pasta?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as different pasta shapes may take longer or shorter to cook.
What Can I Use Instead of Monterey Jack Cheese?
If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, feel free to substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Each will melt well and provide delicious flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish to avoid extra moisture. Just add it at the same time you would fresh spinach.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the mixture looks dry.
