Description
🍂 Savor the creamy goodness of chicken and butternut squash orzo, packed with comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients perfect for cozy days! 🥄
🍗 This simple, hearty dish is a nutritious way to bring warmth to your table while satisfying your taste buds with every bite! 🧡
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs (1.5 lb) – skinless and boneless
Butternut Squash (12 oz) – peeled, seeded, and cubed
Orzo (1 cup)
Fresh Spinach (5 oz)
Chicken Stock (2 cups)
Garlic (5 cloves, minced)
Heavy Cream (½ cup)
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Smoked Paprika
Italian Seasoning
Fresh Thyme
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the butternut squash in the oven for 20-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Season chicken thighs with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Cook the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
8. Stir in the uncooked orzo to slightly toast it and enhance its flavor.
9. Pour chicken stock into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook the orzo for about 7 minutes, or until al dente.
10. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts.
11. Incorporate the roasted butternut squash into the skillet.
12. Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the orzo mixture.
13. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat all the ingredients.
14. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
15. Serve warm and enjoy this cozy dish as a main course.
Notes
1. Use roasted butternut squash for rich caramelized flavor and a touch of sweetness.
2. Toast the orzo before cooking for a deeper, nutty flavor base.
3. Add fresh spinach at the end for a nutritious boost and vibrant color.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American