This One Pot Italian Hen Orzo is filled with hen, 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 might be consuming at a restaurant, proper within the consolation of your individual dwelling.
Orzo lovers may additionally wish 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 simple to get on the desk in about 45 minutes.
- Consolation meals orzo pasta with juicy hen and Italian flavors.
- Easy elements, however feels prefer it’s adequate for a restaurant.
After a protracted day at work, typically you simply want a fast, scrumptious meal for the household—one which’s simple to make and even simpler to wash up. Sounds inconceivable, proper? Assume once more! This Italian Orzo checks all of the containers and extra. Made fully in a single pan, it’s excellent for anybody craving slightly tacky goodness. You might very properly end up making it time and again.
Ingredient Notes
- Hen: Lower into 1-inch items. You could possibly additionally use boneless skinless hen thighs that are slightly juicier.
- Hen Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium possibility permits you to finest management the flavour. It’s an awesome chef tip.
- Italian Seasoning: You may 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. Verify the cooking time in your package deal for the perfect outcomes.
- Heavy Cream: You may 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 at all times melts the perfect.
Fluctuate Your Veggies
Be happy to change 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 cook dinner rapidly, or toss in some arugula for slightly peppery kick.
Throw in cherry tomatoes (1 cup) as an alternative of sun-dried tomatoes. You may 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 selection. 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 pink peppers (½ cup) for slightly sweetness and blend them in earlier than serving.
Utilizing Rotisserie Hen
Obtained some shredded rotisserie hen within the fridge? Good—you’re already midway to dinner! Swapping in pre-cooked shredded hen makes this dish even sooner and simpler with out shedding any taste.
Skip the Sauté: No have to cook dinner uncooked hen. 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 hen after the orzo is absolutely cooked and creamy. Stir it in and let it heat by means of which solely takes about 2-3 minutes.
The Proper Pan
Measurement Issues: Go for a big, deep skillet (12 inches or larger). It provides the hen and orzo loads of room to cook dinner evenly and retains every thing from spilling out while 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 drawback! 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 means of.
Reheat within the microwave in parts in 30-second increments, stirring in between every, till warmed by means of.
