Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach
A comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, roasted butternut squash, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce served over orzo.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 12 oz butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
Chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and freshly ground black pepper salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Grains
- 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken stock
Greens & Dairy
- 5 oz spinach (fresh)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- salt and pepper salt and pepper (to taste)
Additional
- fresh thyme fresh thyme
Instructions
- Roast butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme until tender.
- Cook chicken thighs seasoned with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until browned and cooked through.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- Add orzo to the simmering broth and cook until al dente, then stir in roasted squash, spinach, and heavy cream.
- Simmer until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly. Serve hot garnished with fresh thyme.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.