Cheesy Chicken Orzo

Often times, simple meals are the best meals. Cheese, chicken and pasta – what’s not to love about a quick and easy weeknight meal that they whole family is going to enjoy. Cheesy Chicken Orzo is the perfect busy weeknight meal. It does not take a long time prep and cook. It does not use a ton of dishes to make. And it one that will keep and easily warm up, if people have differently things going on and have to eat at different times. I use a sharp cheddar most of the time, because that is my family’s preference. You can certainly use a medium or mild cheddar in this recipe. If you want to take it to the next level you could try a pepper jack. Just don’t go for a mozzarella or plain Monterey jack, as it will not have much of a flavor with such a mild cheese.

Ingredients:
2 lb Chicken Thighs boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
1½ lb Orzo
½ Yellow Onion, diced
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
2 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp Olive Oil
3 tbsp Flour
1 tsp Thyme
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
2 cup Chicken Broth
2 cup Cheddar, shredded
1 cup Heavy Cream
2 cup Fresh Spinach, chopped

Instructions:
Start water boiling for pasta.
In large sauce pan over medium high heat, add oil, onions and garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes then add chicken, Sprinkle with thyme, paprika, salt and pepper. Continue to sauté until chicken is cooked through.
Add butter to chicken. Once melted, add flour and cook for 3 minutes. Add in chicken broth and stir until fully incorporated. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer another 5 minutes.
Add orzo to boiling water. Cook as directed on the package. Drain in colander and rinse with cool water.
Add heavy cream to chicken. Stir to fully combine, then add in cheese. Once fully incorporated remove from heat. Next add cooked orzo and spinach and stir to combine.

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