Welcome to your next favorite weeknight meal! Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach is not just a dish; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate. This recipe combines tender chicken, roasted butternut squash, and fresh spinach in a creamy orzo base, making it a well-balanced meal perfect for busy evenings or special occasions. Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes like this!
Ingredients
For the Roasted Butternut Squash
- 12 oz butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (leaves only)
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Orzo
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional fresh thyme for garnish
Grocery List
- Butternut squash (12 oz)
- Olive oil (4 tablespoons total)
- Fresh thyme (2 tablespoons)
- Skinless boneless chicken thighs (1.5 lb)
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- Garlic (5 cloves)
- Uncooked orzo pasta (1 cup)
- Chicken stock (2 cups)
- Fresh spinach (5 oz)
- Heavy cream (½ cup)
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Costs
The estimated cost for this recipe serves approximately 4 people:
- Butternut squash: $2.00
- Olive oil: $0.50
- Fresh thyme: $1.00
- Chicken thighs: $6.00
- Spices: $0.50
- Garlic: $0.50
- Orzo pasta: $1.00
- Chicken stock: $2.00
- Fresh spinach: $3.00
- Heavy cream: $1.50
Total Cost: Approximately $18.00, or about $4.50 per serving.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 20–30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Season the chicken thighs with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- Prepare the Orzo:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast for about 3 minutes.
- Add chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Add heavy cream to create a creamy sauce; season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finally, add the roasted butternut squash and sliced chicken back into the skillet.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
Tips and Notes
- For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if preferred; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
This Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach is not only easy to make but also delivers comfort food vibes that will leave your family asking for seconds! Enjoy this wholesome dish any night of the week!
