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A close-up view of the creamy chicken orzo in a white bowl, showing the tender pieces of chicken and spinach.

High Protein Chicken Orzo (Creamy & Easy Recipe)

This High Protein Chicken Orzo is a one-pan wonder! Tender chicken and orzo pasta are tossed in a lusciously creamy, protein-packed sauce made without heavy cream. It's the perfect easy and healthy weeknight dinner, ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach packed
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes or more, to taste
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Blender

Method
 

  1. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  4. While the orzo cooks, combine the cottage cheese and a splash of the warm chicken broth from the skillet in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  5. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the blended cottage cheese sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
  6. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it's just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Tip 1: For the creamiest sauce, ensure the cottage cheese is blended until perfectly smooth.
Tip 2: Feel free to add other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms when you sauté the onions.
Tip 3: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.