This One Pot Italian Hen Orzo is full of rooster, creamy orzo pasta, and Tuscan-inspired veggies, all seasoned with Italian flavors. It’s a one-pan dinner prepared in simply 45 minutes that’ll have you ever feeling like you’re consuming at a restaurant, proper within the consolation of your individual house.
Orzo lovers can also need to see our Cilantro-Lime Orzo Pasta Salad or our Italian Orzo Pasta Salad.
Why Our Recipe
- A one-pan meal that’s fast and straightforward to get on the desk in about 45 minutes.
- Consolation meals orzo pasta with juicy rooster and Italian flavors.
- Easy substances, however feels prefer it’s ok for a restaurant.
After an extended day at work, typically you simply want a fast, scrumptious meal for the household—one which’s straightforward to make and even simpler to wash up. Sounds unattainable, proper? Assume once more! This Italian Orzo checks all of the containers and extra. Made completely in a single pan, it’s good for anybody craving a bit tacky goodness. You could very properly end up making it many times.
Ingredient Notes
- Hen: Minimize into 1-inch items. You possibly can additionally use boneless skinless rooster thighs that are a bit juicier.
- Hen Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium choice permits you to finest management the flavour. It’s an awesome chef tip.
- Italian Seasoning: You’ll be able to even make your individual home made Italian seasoning.
- Orzo: This short-cut pasta resembles rice and is discovered within the pasta aisle in a field or plastic container. Examine the cooking time in your package deal for one of the best outcomes.
- Heavy Cream: You’ll be able to substitute with half-and-half, although the dish could also be much less creamy and thick.
- Mushrooms: White button or the brown cremini mushrooms each work.
- Child Spinach: No want to cut—simply toss it in and let it wilt.
- Solar-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work finest right here.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded or grated Parmesan all the time melts one of the best.
Range Your Veggies
Be at liberty to modify up the veggies and make it your individual! As a substitute of spinach, kale or arugula (1 to 1 ½ cups) work completely. Chop kale finely to assist it prepare dinner shortly, or toss in some arugula for a bit peppery kick.
Throw in cherry tomatoes (1 cup) as a substitute of sun-dried tomatoes. You’ll be able to toss them in uncooked close to the top or roast them first for much more taste.
Artichoke hearts (½ to 1 cup) are one other nice alternative. Simply drain them, chop into bite-sized items, and stir them in.
Olives (¼ to ½ cup) are nice for salty lovers. Kalamata or inexperienced olives each work.
Chop up roasted purple peppers (½ cup) for a bit sweetness and blend them in earlier than serving.
Utilizing Rotisserie Hen
Acquired some shredded rotisserie rooster within the fridge? Excellent—you’re already midway to dinner! Swapping in pre-cooked shredded rooster makes this dish even quicker and simpler with out shedding any taste.
Skip the Sauté: No must prepare dinner uncooked rooster. Begin by sautéing the mushrooms first, simply till they soften, then transfer on with the recipe.
When to Add the Hen: Toss within the shredded rotisserie rooster after the orzo is totally cooked and creamy. Stir it in and let it heat by way of which solely takes about 2-3 minutes.
The Proper Pan
Dimension Issues: Go for a big, deep skillet (12 inches or greater). It offers the rooster and orzo loads of room to prepare dinner evenly and retains every thing from spilling out if you stir.
Lid Required: You’ll want a lid to cowl the pan whereas the orzo cooks. In case your skillet doesn’t have one, no worries—simply cowl it tightly with foil.
No skillet? No downside! A large, shallow Dutch oven or braiser works like a appeal.
Storage & Reheating Directions
Refrigerate leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as 3 days.
To freeze, let the dish cool fully, then retailer it in parts in a freezer-safe container for as much as 2 months. That within the fridge in a single day earlier than reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low warmth, stirring sometimes, till warmed by way of.
Reheat within the microwave in parts in 30-second increments, stirring in between every, till warmed by way of.
