Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach

The first bite of this Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach delivers a harmonious blend of velvety sauce, tender chicken, and sweet roasted butternut squash that will instantly warm your soul. This comforting one-pot wonder transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. The delicate orzo pasta absorbs the rich flavors while maintaining its perfect texture, creating a meal that both adults and children will request again and again. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced dish where creamy meets nutritious without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach stands out as a truly special addition to your recipe collection for several compelling reasons. First, the combination of textures is absolutely divine—tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked orzo with its unique rice-like texture, velvety roasted butternut squash, and wilted spinach that adds a fresh pop in every bite.

The dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and nutritious eating. The butternut squash provides a natural sweetness and beautiful golden color that makes the dish visually appealing while adding important vitamins. Meanwhile, the creamy sauce brings everything together without being overly heavy.

What truly makes this chicken orzo recipe exceptional is its versatility. It’s sophisticated enough for entertaining guests but simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. The entire meal comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor as each ingredient contributes to the developing sauce. Even better, you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour, making this creamy chicken dish a realistic option even on busy evenings.

Ingredients

For this delicious Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, divided
• 3 cups (450g) butternut squash, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ cups (300g) uncooked orzo pasta
• 3½ cups (840 ml) chicken broth, low sodium preferred
• ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
• 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ¾ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

The butternut squash should be fresh for best results, but pre-cut squash from the grocery store works well for convenience. For the creamiest texture, use real heavy cream rather than substitutes, as it prevents curdling and provides the signature velvety consistency this butternut squash pasta is known for.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Pan: For this Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach, use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. This ensures even cooking of the orzo and prevents overflow when the pasta expands. The heavy bottom of a quality pan also prevents scorching, which is crucial when making creamy pasta dishes.

Perfect Chicken Technique: The secret to juicy chicken in this dish lies in how you sear it. Season the chicken pieces well, then cook them in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Allow them to develop a golden crust before stirring (about 2-3 minutes per side), which locks in moisture and creates deeper flavor. Remember, the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking with the orzo.

Master the Creaminess: To achieve the ideal creamy consistency, add the heavy cream after the orzo has absorbed most of the broth but is still slightly firm to the bite (about 7-8 minutes of cooking). This prevents the cream from reducing too much and becoming too thick. For an extra silky finish, gradually stir in the Parmesan off the heat, allowing it to melt slowly into the sauce. This technique prevents the cheese from clumping and creates that restaurant-quality creaminess that makes this chicken orzo dish so irresistible.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: In the same pan, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add butternut squash cubes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and caramelize at the edges. Add diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until translucent.

Step 3: Add minced garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (this is where the flavor lives!). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the uncooked orzo pasta.

Step 5: Return the browned chicken to the pan, nestling it into the orzo mixture. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is nearly tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Uncover and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Check that the chicken is fully cooked (reaching 165°F/74°C internal temperature).

Step 7: Add the chopped spinach in batches, stirring until it wilts into the creamy orzo mixture. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Let the Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency. Serve topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Transform your Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach into a Mediterranean delight by adding 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained, and chopped) along with the spinach. Stir in 1/3 cup of kalamata olives and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan at the final stage. Finish with fresh chopped basil and a drizzle of good quality olive oil for an aromatic twist on this chicken butternut squash pasta.

Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version that maintains all the creamy goodness, simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add an extra cup of butternut squash and include 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms (cremini or shiitake work beautifully) to provide a savory depth that complements the sweet squash. This vegetarian butternut orzo still offers protein when you include a full cup of grated Parmesan in the finished dish.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: Create a dairy-free version of this creamy orzo by substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and omitting the Parmesan cheese. To maintain the rich flavor profile, add 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for cheesy notes and a tablespoon of white miso paste for depth. The result is a surprisingly creamy chicken and butternut squash pasta that even dairy-lovers will enjoy.

Storage and Serving

This Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The orzo will absorb some of the sauce during storage, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or a tablespoon of cream to restore the creamy consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave at 70% power in 30-second intervals.

For serving, present this chicken butternut squash pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful colors and textures. Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside garlic bread or rosemary focaccia, perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.

Transform leftovers into a completely new experience by stuffing the creamy orzo mixture into halved bell peppers or portobello mushroom caps, topping with extra cheese, and baking until bubbly for a creative next-day lunch or dinner option.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cut butternut squash to save time?
Absolutely! Pre-cut butternut squash works perfectly in this Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach and saves significant prep time. Just ensure the cubes are approximately 1/2-inch in size for even cooking. If the pre-cut pieces are larger, cut them smaller before adding to the recipe.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to a day ahead, but the orzo will continue absorbing liquid as it sits. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream and stir gently over low heat until warmed through to restore its creamy consistency.

Can I substitute the orzo with a different pasta?
While orzo is ideal for this creamy chicken recipe due to its rice-like texture that captures the sauce beautifully, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even fregola. Adjust cooking time accordingly as different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times.

My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your sauce is too thin, continue simmering uncovered for 2-3 minutes longer. Remember that the sauce will naturally thicken as it stands. Alternatively, you can stir in an additional 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan, which helps thicken the sauce while adding flavor.

Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze this creamy orzo dish, the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the cream-based sauce. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of hearty and nutritious with its protein-rich chicken, wholesome butternut squash, and vibrant spinach all wrapped in a velvety sauce. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, while still being simple enough to prepare without stress. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this one-pot wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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