Creamy One-Pot Chicken Dinner (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 2 tablespoons butter
03 - 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
05 - 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
06 - 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth, preferably homemade
07 - 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese, brought to room temperature
08 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
09 - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces
10 - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
11 - Fresh chives, finely chopped for garnish (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the olive oil and butter in a deep pot over medium-high heat until the butter melts. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to become translucent and fragrant.
02 - Add the minced garlic and dry orzo pasta to the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This step builds flavor by toasting the pasta and infusing it with the aromatics.
03 - Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a steady simmer without boiling too vigorously. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often. The orzo should absorb most of the liquid and become tender but still have a slight bite to it. If it seems too dry before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more broth as needed.
04 - Stir in the softened Boursin cheese until completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the orzo.
05 - Remove the pot from heat and fold in the fresh spinach and cooked chicken. Cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes. The residual heat will wilt the spinach, warm the chicken through, and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped chives if desired.

# Notes:

01 - This one-pot meal combines the creaminess of risotto with the ease of cooking orzo pasta.
02 - Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly while absorbing flavors beautifully.
03 - The dish reheats well, though you may need to add a splash of broth if it thickens too much when stored.
04 - This recipe works with any leftover cooked chicken, whether rotisserie, grilled, or poached.

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