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Best Orzo Dinner Recipe

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This Best Orzo Dinner Recipe is a creamy, comforting, and versatile meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. With tender orzo pasta, savory chicken ham, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to please a variety of tastes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken ham, diced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or other leafy greens
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or a non-dairy alternative
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Boil 2 cups of broth in a medium pot. Add 1 cup orzo and cook 8–10 minutes until tender but slightly firm. Drain any excess liquid.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook Chicken Ham: Add 1 cup diced chicken ham. Cook 3–5 minutes until lightly browned, stirring frequently.
  4. Add Vegetables: Stir in 1 cup diced bell peppers and 1 cup fresh spinach. Cook 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Prepare Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Pour in 1/2 cup cream or alternative. Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
  6. Combine Orzo and Sauce: Add cooked orzo to the skillet. Mix gently to coat evenly. Cook 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve: Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.

Notes

Pre-chopped vegetables save time.

Leftover cooked chicken can replace chicken ham.

Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for variety.