Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach Recipe for Thanksgiving

Enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal with this creamy chicken orzo with butternut
squash and spinach recipe. Make sure to check it out!

Servings: 4 people

Author:

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
40 minutes

Main Course

International

creamy chicken pasta Butternut Squash recipe Healthy comfort food One-Pot Meal Spinach Chicken Dish

Instructions

1 Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large
skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown,
about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2 In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and
cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook
for another minute until fragrant.
3 Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes,
until it starts to soften.
4 Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the orzo,
reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
5 Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add the
fresh thyme and a pinch of nutmeg, then cover and cook for an additional 5
minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6 Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and heated
through. Gently fold in the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2
minutes.
7 Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot,
garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and thyme leaves if desired.