Okay, let’s talk about my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver: this one-pan orzo! Seriously, after years of trying to make dinner happen after a crazy day, I’ve discovered the magic of minimal cleanup. This recipe is my go-to because it packs SO much flavor into just one skillet. You get tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and all those yummy veggies mingling together. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like you slaved away for hours, but in reality, it comes together faster than you can decide what to watch on TV. Trust me, this one-pan orzo is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Orzo

Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer for so many reasons. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard without all the fuss!

Quick and Easy Preparation

Dinner on the table in under 45 minutes!
Minimal chopping and prep work involved.

Flavorful and Satisfying

A perfect balance of tender chicken, sweet veggies, and savory orzo.
It’s a complete meal in one bowl!

Minimal Cleanup

Just one pan to wash? Yes, please!
More time enjoying your meal, less time scrubbing.

Gathering Your One-Pan Orzo Ingredients

Alright, let’s get everything ready for our amazing one-pan orzo! It’s pretty straightforward, and having everything prepped makes cooking a breeze. You really only need one trusty skillet for this whole operation, which is the best part, right?

Core Ingredients for One-Pan Orzo

Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

1 tablespoon of good olive oil – don’t skimp here!
About a pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. I like them about an inch big, but whatever works for you!
1 big onion, chopped up nice and fine.
2 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh is always best!
1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper, both chopped. These add such a lovely sweetness and color.
1 cup of orzo pasta. This little pasta shape is perfect for soaking up all those yummy flavors.

Essential Seasonings and Broth

These are the flavor powerhouses:

2 cups of chicken broth. This is what cooks the orzo and brings everything together.
1 teaspoon of dried oregano. It’s got that classic Mediterranean vibe.
Just a pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) and a little black pepper (1/4 teaspoon). You can always add more later!

Fresh Garnish

For that pop of freshness at the end:

1/4 cup of fresh parsley, roughly chopped. It really brightens up the whole dish.

Ingredient Substitution Ideas

Don’t have chicken? No worries! You can totally swap it out for some shrimp or even firm tofu if you’re going meatless. Feel free to toss in other veggies you love, like a handful of spinach that wilts right in, some diced zucchini, or sliced mushrooms. If you want a completely vegetarian meal, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the chicken altogether. Easy peasy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making One-Pan Orzo

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and it’s surprisingly simple. My kitchen gets a little messy when I’m really into it, but that’s part of the fun, right? Just follow these steps, and you’ll have an incredible one-pan orzo ready in no time.

Searing the Protein

First things first, grab your skillet. Put it over medium-high heat and let that tablespoon of olive oil get nice and warm. Then, toss in your chicken pieces. You want to get them nicely browned on all sides – this adds a ton of flavor! Don’t worry if they’re not cooked all the way through yet. Just scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate for a moment. We’ll bring them back later!

Sautéing the Aromatics and Vegetables

Now, into that same skillet (don’t you just love not having to wash another pan?), add your chopped onion and those colorful bell peppers. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften up and look a little tender. Then, toss in your minced garlic. Garlic burns super fast, so just give it about a minute until you can smell that amazing aroma. Keep stirring so it doesn’t stick!

Cooking the Orzo Pasta

Here’s where it all comes together. Stir in the orzo pasta, making sure it gets coated in all those delicious bits left in the pan. Pour in your chicken broth, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir, and bring the whole thing to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on the skillet nice and snug, and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the orzo to be cooked through and most of the liquid to be soaked up.

Combining and Finishing the One-Pan Orzo

After the orzo has done its thing, carefully take off the lid. Return your browned chicken pieces back into the skillet. Give it all a gentle stir to make sure everything is mixed together nicely. Let it cook uncovered for just another 2 to 3 minutes. This is just to make sure the chicken is heated all the way through and that everything is nice and melded together. Finally, stir in that fresh, chopped parsley right at the end. It makes such a difference! And there you have it – your perfect one-pan orzo!

Tips for Perfect One-Pan Orzo Every Time

You know, even with simple recipes, a few little tricks can take your dish from good to absolutely amazing. For this one-pan orzo, it’s all about a few key details that make a big difference. I’ve learned these through trial and error (and a *lot* of cooking!), so I’m happy to share them with you!

Achieving the Right Orzo Texture

The biggest thing with orzo is making sure it’s perfectly cooked – not mushy, not crunchy. When you’re simmering it, keep an eye on it around the 10-minute mark. You want it tender but still with a slight bite. If it looks like it’s drying out too fast, just add a tiny splash more broth. And make sure that lid is on tight so the steam does its job!

Browning the Chicken for Flavor

Seriously, don’t skip browning the chicken! That step isn’t just for looks; it’s where so much of the flavor comes from. Getting those little browned bits on the chicken and then leaving them in the pan to cook the veggies and orzo is pure gold. It adds a depth that you just can’t get otherwise. Just a quick sear makes all the difference!

Adjusting Seasoning

My grandma always said to taste as you go, and it’s so true! The recipe gives you a starting point for salt and pepper, but chicken broth can vary in saltiness. Before you serve, give it a taste. Does it need a little more salt to make the flavors pop? Maybe a crack of fresh black pepper? It’s your kitchen, your rules!

Serving and Storing Your One-Pan Orzo

Now that you’ve made this fantastic one-pan orzo, let’s talk about enjoying it and what to do with any extra. It’s so good, you might not have leftovers, but just in case!

Serving Suggestions

This dish is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you want to jazz it up, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. A little extra sprinkle of fresh parsley on top right before serving always makes it look extra special, too!

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the one-pan orzo cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well so it stays fresh.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, you can pop a portion back into a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth to help loosen it up. Or, for a quick fix, just microwave it until it’s heated through. Stir it halfway through reheating to make sure it warms evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pan Orzo

Got questions about making the best one-pan orzo? I’ve got you covered! It’s a pretty forgiving recipe, but sometimes you just need a little extra guidance.

Can I use different types of pasta in this One-Pan Orzo?

You totally can! This recipe is pretty flexible. Small pasta shapes that cook relatively quickly, like ditalini, tubetti, or even couscous, should work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas absorb liquid at different rates. You might need a little more or less liquid, so start checking a bit earlier!

How do I make this One-Pan Orzo vegetarian?

It’s super simple to make this a vegetarian delight! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and skip the chicken entirely. You could add extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to make it even heartier. It’s just as delicious and satisfying!

Can I add more vegetables to this One-Pan Orzo?

Absolutely! That’s one of the best things about this one-pan orzo. Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you have on hand. Spinach wilts down beautifully at the end, zucchini or mushrooms can be sautéed with the onions and peppers, and peas are great added in during the last few minutes of orzo cooking. Get creative!

What kind of pan is best for One-Pan Orzo?

For this one-pan orzo, a large, oven-safe skillet is ideal. A 10- or 12-inch skillet with high sides works perfectly. It needs to be big enough to hold everything without it overflowing, and having high sides helps keep the liquid contained while it simmers. Cast iron is fantastic because it heats so evenly! You can learn more about the benefits of cast iron.

Enjoy Your Delicious One-Pan Orzo

There you have it – a super simple, incredibly tasty one-pan orzo that’s perfect for any night of the week! I really hope you give this recipe a try because it’s become such a staple in my kitchen. It’s proof that you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make something truly delicious. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out, or if you added any fun twists! I love hearing from you all!

Remarkable One-Pan Orzo: Flavorful Dinner Fast

Author: folderfood
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious one-pan meal featuring orzo pasta cooked with vegetables and protein.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Add onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until chicken is heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pan
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: one-pan orzo, chicken orzo, pasta recipe, easy dinner, quick meal