Description
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo Bakes is a creamy, protein-packed one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, spinach, and artichoke hearts. Inspired by spinach-artichoke dip, this nutrient-rich skillet meal delivers cozy flavors with high protein and easy weeknight convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed & drained)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Protein or Low-Carb Variations:
- Add extra chicken, white beans, or chickpeas
- Use riced cauliflower or shirataki noodles for low carb
- Use dairy-free yogurt & cheese alternatives
- Add a fried or poached egg on top
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
- Add Garlic & Orzo: Stir in garlic and uncooked orzo. Toast 1–2 minutes.
- Add Broth: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Veggies & Cream: Add spinach, artichokes, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until creamy. Squeeze lemon juice on top.
- Optional Broil: Broil 2–3 minutes for a golden top. Serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the orzo; keep it al dente before adding dairy.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture.
- Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Adjust lemon, salt, or cheese to taste before serving.
- Refrigerates up to 4 days; freezes up to 2 months.
- Reheat with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan / Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo, High Protein Chicken Orzo, One Pan Chicken Recipes, Healthy Orzo Skillet, Meal Prep Chicken Orzo