Talk about absolute weeknight magic! This One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with juicy chicken, tender orzo, and that classic spinach-artichoke flavor we all crave.

Every forkful is cozy and satisfying, with tangy artichokes, ribbons of wilted spinach, and melty Parmesan woven into every bite. Best of all, it's all made in a single skillet-so less mess, more yum.

It's the kind of meal your whole family will rave about, perfect for busy nights when you want dinner on the table in under an hour. Ultimate comfort food, healthier than takeout, and a surefire dinner hero.

I was inspired by my love of classic spinach artichoke dip-here it becomes dinner, no party required!

A golden skillet filled with creamy spinach artichoke chicken orzo, garnished with fresh parsley

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Everything cooks in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Creamy, cheesy goodness reminiscent of your favorite spinach artichoke dip.
Ready in under 45 minutes-perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced with lean protein, veggies, and pasta in every bite.

Key Ingredients for One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts deliver protein, soak up all the savory flavors, and cook up tender and juicy right in the skillet. Dice them into bite-size pieces for even cooking. If you like, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work here as well, and will yield an extra-juicy result. Leftover rotisserie chicken is another excellent shortcut-just stir it in at the end.

Orzo

Orzo is a tiny, rice-shaped pasta that becomes irresistibly creamy as it simmers in the pan, just like risotto but way easier. No need for pre-boiling; it cooks right in the skillet, absorbing all the rich flavors. If you don't have orzo, you can substitute with small pasta like ditalini, but keep an eye on cook time.

Marinated Artichoke Hearts

These add bright, tangy depth and a signature "spinach artichoke" twist to the dish. I recommend using marinated artichoke hearts (drained and chopped), which infuse the skillet with herby goodness. Canned or frozen (thawed) artichoke hearts work in a pinch, but you may want to boost the seasoning.

Fresh Baby Spinach

Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and adds gorgeous color, nutrients, and earthy flavor. Stir it in towards the end so it retains its vibrant green. Frozen spinach is a fine swap-just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first.

Cream Cheese & Parmesan

A touch of cream cheese gives this dish its signature indulgent creaminess, and freshly grated Parmesan adds savory depth and salty bite. Greek yogurt can stand in for cream cheese if you want it lighter, while Pecorino Romano is a bolder Parmesan alternative.

One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo cooking process

Instructions for One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sauté the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon salt and the black pepper, then add to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through and golden. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, followed by the onion and ½ teaspoon salt. Sauté for 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, just until fragrant.

Toast the Orzo

Add the dry orzo into the skillet. Stir and let the orzo toast for 2 minutes, until some pieces start to look golden-this builds even more flavor.

Build the Spinach Artichoke Base

Add the chopped artichoke hearts, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Simmer and Melt

Return the chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Stir well. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in Spinach and Cheese

Remove the lid and add spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir vigorously-the spinach will wilt and the cheese will melt, giving you a lusciously creamy orzo. Add lemon zest and juice, then taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as desired.

Finish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat. Garnish generously with more Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve immediately, dishing up big spoonfuls right from the pan!

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta. You may need to adjust the liquid and check for doneness a few minutes early.

Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to bulk up the skillet with diced red bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes along with the onions. Sauté them until tender for even more color and nutrition.

Swap the Protein

Try boneless chicken thighs for an extra-juicy bite, or make it pescatarian by adding cooked shrimp at the very end. For a vegetarian spin, use a can of drained and rinsed white beans in place of chicken.

Lighter & Dairy-Free

Use light cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of regular cream cheese. For a dairy-free version, swap in your favorite dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives.

Give It a Kick

For a spicy twist, double the crushed red pepper and stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste or a swirl of hot sauce just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo with a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of creamy sauce. A side of roasted asparagus or lemony green beans would make for an extra-fresh plate. Don't forget to finish each serving with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for color and flavor!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, scoop desired amounts into a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot. If the orzo looks thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth before reheating. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months-thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prep the chicken, chop veggies, and measure out your ingredients in advance. The finished orzo reheats beautifully for make-ahead lunches or dinners.

Q: What can I use instead of orzo?

A: Any small pasta shape like ditalini, pearl couscous, or even rice will work. Adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.

Q: How do I make this vegetarian?

A: Swap the chicken for canned white beans or extra veggies, and use vegetable broth for simmering.

This creamy, dreamy One Pan Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo will quickly become a weeknight staple! It's comfort food that's easy, satisfying, and sure to please everyone at your table. If you try it, leave a rating or comment below-I love hearing how it turns out for you!