Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach
This heartwarming dish combines tender chicken, creamy orzo, hearty butternut squash, and fresh spinach, evoking the cozy feelings of autumn in every bite.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast, diced Use bone-in for more flavor.
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 1 medium Butternut squash, peeled and diced Alternatives include sweet potatoes or pumpkin.
- 2 cups Spinach Fresh spinach recommended.
- 1 Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Olive oil Use good quality olive oil.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Adds extra flavor when garnished.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and have them chopped and ready before you start cooking.
- Preheat the stove.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and stir for an additional minute.
- Add diced chicken breast and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Stir in diced butternut squash and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until squash is tender.
- Add orzo pasta and let it simmer for another 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Lower the heat, stir in the heavy cream and spinach, allowing spinach to wilt for 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve into bowls, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ingredients to match your preferences. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish's flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6g
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