Creamy Chicken Orzo With Mushrooms And Bacon (One Pot)
User Reviews
4.3
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
521 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Creamy Chicken Orzo With Mushrooms And Bacon (One Pot)
Description
Creamy Chicken Orzo With Mushrooms And Bacon starts by sautéing finely chopped onions, crushed garlic cloves, dried thyme, and oregano in butter until softened and fragrant. Bacon pieces and chopped skinless, boneless chicken thighs are added and cooked until the chicken is browned on the outside. Uncooked orzo pasta is then stirred in, followed by pouring in chicken broth to simmer. The orzo simmers about 15 minutes with stirring to prevent sticking, absorbing the broth as it cooks.
Next, sliced mushrooms are incorporated and simmered roughly 10 more minutes until the mixture thickens, though some liquid remains. Fresh spinach is stirred in at the end to wilt, followed by mixing in grated Parmesan cheese and cream cheese to create a rich, creamy sauce. Seasonings including salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice balance the flavors. The dish is served immediately, garnished optionally with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon segments for acidity and color.
This recipe yields a flavorful, hearty one-pot meal combining tender chicken, smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and creamy pasta. The combination of cheeses and lemon juice lends brightness to the dish’s richness, making it suitable as a standalone entree. Preparation notes suggest orzo can be substituted with other small pasta shapes, chicken breasts used instead of thighs, and reheating with added broth maintains moisture. The dish freezes well for up to two months and can be thawed before reheating.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter for cooking
- 1 onion chopped finely
- 2 garlic crushed, cloves
- ½ teaspoon thyme dried
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- 4 ounces Bacon chopped (about 4 slices of back bacon or ¼ cup, smoked
- 12 ounces chicken thigh around 5 small thighs, chopped into pieces, skinless, boneless
- 9 ounces orzo pasta (dried, about 1½ cups)
- 4¼ cups chicken broth (stock)
- 5 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 6 ounces spinach fresh
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt Or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper Or to taste
- ½ lemon (juice only)
To serve (optional)
- ¼ bunch parsley fresh
- Parmesan Cheese grated, a little more
- lemon For squeezing over at the table, if desired, segments
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pan on a medium heat, then add the onion. Cook, stirring, for a few minutes until softened, then add the garlic and herbs. Cook for a minute or so longer.
- Add the bacon and chicken pieces to the pan and cook, stirring, for a few minutes until cooked on the outside.
- Add the dry orzo to the pan and stir in well, then pour in the chicken broth/stock. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan too much.
- Add the mushrooms and simmer for about another 10 minutes, or until the dish has thickened (there will still be some liquid, which is fine).
- At the last minute, stir in the spinach until wilted, then stir through the parmesan cheese and the tablespoon of cream cheese. Add the salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Serve immediately in bowls with fresh parsley, more parmesan and lemon segments (if desired) on top.
Notes
- Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta available at many large supermarkets and European delis; small elbow macaroni can be used as an alternative.
- Chicken thighs provide more flavor, but chicken breasts or leftover cooked chicken (like rotisserie) can be substituted.
- Leftover creamy chicken orzo reheats well in a microwave; add some broth or water, cover, and heat on 80% power for 3-4 minutes until hot.
- This dish freezes well for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- If cream cheese is not available, a small drizzle of heavy cream or extra Parmesan cheese can be used to add creaminess.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 521 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 521kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 120mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 1826mg | 76% |
| Potassium | 951mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 4560IU | 91% |
| Vitamin C | 27mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 253mg | 25% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.3
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