This one pot chicken with creamy spinach artichoke pasta is made with seared chicken breasts, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, artichokes and plenty of cheese. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner with less dishes to do at the end!
If you love spinach and artichoke dip, you’ll adore this simple yet satisfying chicken meal!
Here I am, back with another one pot meal! My inspiration for this one is the classic and oh so delicious spinach artichoke dip. I mean, who doesn’t want to eat chips and dip for dinner once in a while? This one pot chicken with creamy spinach artichoke pasta tastes a lot like the dip, but it’s not as rich, making this a perfect dinner for a busy weeknight.
How do you make chicken with spinach and artichoke pasta?
This is really so simple to make. The chicken breasts are seared to a golden brown and then baked in the oven with orzo pasta. Delicate vegetables like spinach and artichokes don’t hold up well to long cooking times . To get around that issue, 5 minutes before the dish is done the veggies, along with some cream cheese, parmesan and mozzarella are stirred in. The end result is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s a complete meal.
Are you craving some of this cheesy goodness right now? I sure am even though it’s early in the morning.The whole family is going to love this one, mine sure did – this is so good that even the kids didn’t mind the vegetables in the orzo!
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More easy chicken dinners
- Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Mango Chicken
- Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken
One Pot Chicken with Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1/2 thick. If your chicken breasts are thicker you can cut them in half lengthwise.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 8 ounces dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cups of fresh spinach coarsely chopped
- 1 cup of canned or frozen artichoke hearts coarsely chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- minced parsley and lemon wedges for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium high. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken in the pan and cook, undisturbed, for about 5 minutes or until chicken is a deep golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-5 minutes until that side is browned.
- Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pan, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
- Put a lid on the pan and place in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Uncover the plan and place the chicken breasts on a plate. Add 1/4 cup of water to the cooked orzo along with the cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan spinach and artichokes. Stir gently until combined. Place the chicken breasts on top of the orzo and put the pan, uncovered, back into the oven. Bake for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted.
- Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if desired.
- Garnish with the chopped parsley and lemon wedges (optional) and serve immediately.
Scott says
I’m not sure what I did wrong. I ended up having lots of extra broth/water mixture left over. Any thoughts? I followed the directions completely!!
Sara says
That is so odd, was the orzo cooked through? You can leave it in for more time if the liquid isn’t all the way absorbed.
eliza says
this was really good…i do think it was a little too much cheese so next time i make it i will just use less
Sara says
Just want to make sure I’m reading this correctly…before you put in the oven, do you jut pour the orzo and broth on top of the chicken? No mixing or removing the chicken and placing on top of orzo mixture? Thanks!
Sara says
I just pour the orzo and broth around the chicken, if you prefer you can remove the chicken and place it on top. Either way will work!!
Tiffany says
I made this tonight and it was fantastic! Definitely adding this to the regular rotation.
Kate says
I am making this right now for probably the fifth time since I found this recipe on Pinterest when I went back to work two months ago. I follow the recipe exactly (oh wait, I leave out the parmesan because I can’t have aged cheese, but my husband adds it to his at the end) and it is so easy and delicious. Fast, cheap, little to clean up. Everything I look for! Just wanted to say thank you! The husband and one year old both love it. I can’t wait to try more recipes on your site.
Sara says
Thanks for the nice comment Kate, I hope you find more recipes you enjoy here! 🙂
Melissa says
Could you substitute Quinoa for the Orzo? If so, how. Thanks in advance
Sara says
I’m not sure if that would work, I haven’t tested it that way. You could try it by using the amount of dry quinoa that would correspond to the 2 cups of chicken broth in the recipe!
Grace says
I’m not much of a cook and tend to mess most recipes up, but I was able to follow this recipe! I am so impressed..it is GOOD! I used a dutch oven since I didn’t have a cast iron. Some of the orzo stuck to the pot but I’m sure I can use non-stick spray or butter if need be. This was delicious and I plan on making it again! Thank you!
Mel says
Any help on how to cook without the chicken…
Sara says
I would just boil the pasta, drain it, then put it back in the pan over low heat and stir in the artichokes, spinach, cheeses and some salt and pepper until everything is melted and combined. Hope that helps!
Rochelle says
I added the whole can of artichokes and more chicken stock instead of water. Also added two dollops of sour cream and some fresh lemon juice. Turned out delicious!
Jackie says
This looks delicious, but I have to eat Gluten Free (and finding GF orzo is pretty difficult, I”m finding…) Any idea on how this would work with rice? Thanks!
Sara says
Hi Jackie, you can use 1 and 1/2 cups of rice with 3 cups of chicken broth and it should work fine that way! If the liquid from the rice isn’t completely absorbed at the end of the 25 minute bake time just add 5 more minutes in the oven.
Brittany says
Hi! I don’t have a cast iron skillet so what type of pan could I use?
Sara says
Any deep nonstick pan or skillet with a lid will work!
Kristen says
I thought it was delicious! Do you mind telling me how many calories are in this meal?
Sara says
So glad you liked it! There’s approximately 466 calories per serving.
Jeff says
Everything on your front page looks so delicious, and I feel like I have a good shot at making this one – thank you!
Susan | LunaCafe says
hat a great idea! Can’t have too many easy dinner dishes.I’m sure one will be a hit. 🙂
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah says
This looks AMAZING! The searing on that chicken is perfect 😀 Major bonus points that this looks like a flavorful recipe I could get the husband to eat without a lot of fuss.
heather @french press says
I am definitely craving this now, and i haven;t even had my coffee yet!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
My husband brought this artichoke chicken recipe into the family and I love it! (well the vegetarian version for myself!) I feel artichokes never get enough love but you have simply brought out all the goodness in this dish!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
I love quick meals like this and that cheese pull–looks insanely good!!
Marye says
This looks so yummy! I love chicken and artichokes!
Elizabeth says
Oh this sounds like the ultimate comfort food! Yum!!