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Creamy chicken orzo with garnishes on a marble countertop

Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach Recipe for Thanksgiving

Enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal with this creamy chicken orzo with butternut squash and spinach recipe. Make sure to check it out!
5 from 148 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine International
Servings 4 people
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Plate for resting chicken
  • Grater for nutmeg and Parmesan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large Chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta uncooked
  • 2 cups Butternut squash peeled and cubed
  • 3 cups Baby spinach fresh
  • 2 ½ cups Chicken broth
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp. Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. Unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp. Fresh thyme leaves picked
  • Nutmeg a pinch, freshly grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it starts to soften.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the orzo, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add the fresh thyme and a pinch of nutmeg, then cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and heated through. Gently fold in the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and thyme leaves if desired.

Notes

  • Consistency is key — It took me a few tries to perfect the consistency. A common mistake is not simmering it long enough, so patience is key here. The orzo should be al dente, and the sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
 
  • Balance the flavors — I've always been apprehensive about using too much garlic, but for this dish, the more, the merrier. It truly enhances the depth of flavors, especially when balanced with the sweetness of the butternut squash and the savory Parmesan.
 
  • Prep ahead — To save time, you can peel and cube the butternut squash in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it'll be ready to go when you start cooking.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach Recipe for Thanksgiving
Amount per Serving
Calories
650
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
36
g
55
%
Saturated Fat
 
20
g
125
%
Trans Fat
 
0.3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
10
g
Cholesterol
 
169
mg
56
%
Sodium
 
1061
mg
46
%
Potassium
 
1056
mg
30
%
Carbohydrates
 
45
g
15
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
37
g
74
%
Vitamin A
 
10960
IU
219
%
Vitamin C
 
31
mg
38
%
Calcium
 
256
mg
26
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Butternut Squash Recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Healthy comfort food, One-Pot Meal, Spinach Chicken Dish
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