Creamy Chicken Orzo with Kale

Creamy Chicken Orzo with Kale is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Picture this: you’re cozied up on a chilly evening, and you want something that fills your belly and warms your heart. This dish does just that! It all started a few years back when I was trying to use up some leftover rotisserie chicken and a bunch of kale sitting in my fridge. A few minutes later, I came up with this rich, creamy, and utterly comforting dish that has become a staple in my kitchen. Trust me, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.

Why you’ll love this recipe

There’s something magical about a meal that combines the robustness of chicken, the lively flavors of lemon and herbs, and the tender bite of orzo—all wrapped in a silky, creamy sauce. What sets this dish apart is not just its delightful flavors and textures, but the time it takes to prepare. You’ll have a glorious dinner ready in just about 30 minutes!

Did I mention how nourishing it is? The kale adds a healthy crunch, providing those precious vitamins, while the rotisserie chicken gives you that succulent texture and flavor without hours in the kitchen. Plus, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top? Pure bliss! This is the kind of recipe that’s adaptable, too; whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, it always impresses. So why not whip it up tonight and bask in the compliments you’ll surely receive?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s get into what you’ll need for this delightful dish. Each ingredient plays an important role, almost like members of a cooking orchestra.

• Butter: Just a tablespoon adds that luscious mouthfeel, an essential base that will carry flavors wonderfully. It’s like the conductor that sets everything in harmony.

• Yellow Onion (1/2, diced): Sweetened with that mild flavor as it cooks down, the onion lends a warm foundation. Onions are the unsung heroes of many a great dish!

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A key player in elevating flavor, fresh garlic infuses a fragrant kick. If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two.

• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon) and Rubbed Sage (1/2 teaspoon): This beautiful blend adds a bouquet of aromatic flavors. Think of it as the spice of life!

• Chicken Broth (2 cups): Homemade is best, but store-bought is perfectly fine. It’s the essence that pulls everything together, delivering body and depth.

• Orzo Pasta (1 cup, uncooked): These tiny pasta shapes are perfect for absorbing all the creamy goodness. They bring a delightful chewiness that makes each bite satisfying.

• Kale (2 cups, finely chopped): Adding greens not only gives additional nutrients but also a lovely texture. Just remember to chop it finely for a smooth integration.

• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (1 cup): Easy and convenient, this ingredient ultimately brings protein and chickeny delight while saving you cooking time.

• Half and Half (1 cup, plus more as needed): This luxurious element provides that rich creaminess, transforming this dish into something comforting and special.

• Lemon Zest and Juice (of 1 lemon): A pop of brightness! The zest is like the vibrant soul of the dish, while the juice adds that necessary tartness to balance the cream.

• Fresh Chopped Herbs (1 tablespoon, like parsley and dill): These will freshen each bite; vibrant herbs are your friends here!

• Kosher Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skimp on these, they’re critical to perfecting the flavors.

• Parmesan Cheese (for serving, optional): Because honestly, who can resist a sprinkle of cheese on top? It adds an extra layer of flavor that is simply delightful.

How this recipe comes together

Ready to dive into the cooking? Here’s how to bring this creamy delight to life:

1. Heat the butter in a large pan over medium heat until it melts.
2. Toss in the diced onion with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, then sauté for about 4 minutes, giving it a stir now and then until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and sage, along with another pinch or two of salt and pepper; let that sizzle for an aromatic minute.
4. Pour in a couple of splashes of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a spatula to capture all those delicious browned bits—trust me, it’s pure flavor magic!
5. Bring in the uncooked orzo, chopped kale, and the shredded chicken along with the remaining broth and half and half, adding a couple more pinches of salt and pepper.
6. Cover it up and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Stir every couple of minutes, ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom.
7. Lower the heat to low and simmer gently, still covered, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. It should have a slight bite to it, and if it’s looking too dry, splash in some extra half and half.
8. Once you’re happy with the consistency, stir in the lemon zest, juice, and fresh herbs.
9. Now taste it! Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed—it’s your masterpiece!
10. Serve this dish hot, and don’t forget to top it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.

Best way to enjoy it

This Creamy Chicken Orzo with Kale is truly a stand-alone wonder, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your experience:

• Pair it with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls is perfect for sopping up that creamy goodness.
• For a touch of elegance, serve it in deep pasta bowls garnished with additional herbs and a lemon wedge for a pop of color.

Storage and reheating tips

Alright, let’s chat about leftovers because there’s no way you’ll want to waste this deliciousness!

• Storage: Place any remaining orzo in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully!
• Reheating: Gently warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or half and half to restore that creamy texture as it may thicken up in the fridge.
• Freezing: If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just know that the kale texture may change slightly once thawed.

Pro chef tips

A few insider tips to elevate your cooking game here:

• Don’t rush the onions; caramelizing them properly develops a robust flavor base.
• Toast the Italian seasoning in the hot oil before adding garlic for an intensified depth in flavor—trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!
• Experiment with other greens like spinach or Swiss chard if kale isn’t your thing. They’ll work perfectly, too.
• For a kick, why not add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking? It brings a delightful heat!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to shake things up:

• Swap out the chicken for shrimp or leftover turkey if you have it on hand.
• Toss in other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth.
• For a dash of Italian flair, add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for that umami punch.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups finely chopped kale
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup half and half plus more as needed
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (like parsley and dill)
Kosher salt to taste
Fresh cracked pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Directions to follow

1. Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat until melted.
2. Add diced onion with salt and pepper; cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sage, and more salt and pepper; cook for another minute.
4. Add splashes of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release flavorful bits.
5. Stir in uncooked orzo, chopped kale, shredded chicken, 1 cup of half and half, and remaining chicken broth; season with more salt and pepper.
6. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring every couple of minutes.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until orzo is al dente. If needed, add more half and half.
8. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and fresh herbs.
9. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
10. Serve hot, optionally topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Your questions answered

• How long does it take to prepare?: Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking takes around 20 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

• Can I use frozen veggies?: Absolutely! Just toss them in along with the orzo as frozen veggies cook quickly.

• What can I serve with this?: A simple salad or crusty bread makes delightful companions.

• Is this kid-friendly?: Definitely! Kids typically love creamy pasta dishes, and the flavors are mild enough.

• Can I make this in advance?: You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat, but be mindful the orzo will soak up some of the sauce. Just add a splash of liquid when reheating!

It’s time to roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I can’t wait to see how your version turns out—play with the flavors and have fun with it. Remember, cooking is about exploration, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, tweaks, or any fun stories that unfold while you create this dish. Happy cooking!

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Creamy Chicken Orzo with Kale

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy Non Vegetarian W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 600

Best Season: Winter

Description

Creamy Chicken Orzo with Kale is a comforting dish that combines chicken, kale, and orzo pasta in a rich sauce, perfect for a chilly evening.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing)
• ¹⁄₂ cup yellow onion, diced (adds sweetness and flavor)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (enhances flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for aromatic flavor)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon rubbed sage
• 2 cups chicken broth (for base flavor)
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta (absorbs creaminess)
• 2 cups finely chopped kale (adds nutrients)
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken (for protein)
• 1 cup half and half (for creaminess)
• 1 each lemon zest and juice (for brightness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (like parsley and dill)
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper (to taste)
• Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Sauté the Onion

   Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat until melted. Add diced onion with salt and pepper; cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently until translucent.
   Mark as complete

2. Add Garlic and Herbs

   Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sage, and more salt and pepper; cook for another minute.
   Mark as complete

3. Incorporate Broth and Orzo

   Add splashes of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release flavorful bits. Stir in uncooked orzo, chopped kale, shredded chicken, half and half, and remaining chicken broth; season with more salt and pepper.
   Mark as complete

4. Simmer the Mixture

   Cover and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring every couple of minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until orzo is al dente.
   If needed, add more half and half.
   Mark as complete

5. Finalize the Dish

   Stir in lemon zest and juice, and fresh herbs. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Serve hot, optionally topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
   Pairs well with a salad or bread.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 20g100%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 850mg36%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 50g17%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 3g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 700 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 200 mg

Iron 2.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1.5 IU

Vitamin K 70 mcg

Thiamin 0.3 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 70 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 400 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 50 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

Copper 0.3 mg

Manganese 0.6 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish is adaptable; try using different greens or proteins as desired.

Keywords: creamy, chicken, orzo, kale, comfort food, easy dinner