• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

RecipeTin Eats

Fast Prep, Big Flavours

Small book

My cookbook "Dinner" now available!

  • My RecipeTin
  • My cookbook!
  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Category
    • Iconic + cult classics
    • Mains
      • Chicken
        • Chicken mince
      • Beef Recipes
        • Ground Beef (Mince)
      • Pork
      • Lamb
      • Turkey
      • Shrimp / Prawns
      • Salmon
      • Fish
      • Salad Meals
    • Quick and Easy
    • Soups
    • One Pot
    • Stews
    • Slow Cooker
    • Sides
      • All
      • Salads & veg
      • Show Off Salads
      • Rice (all)
      • Fried rice recipes
      • Rice (plain)
      • Potato
    • Pasta
      • All
      • Pasta bakes
      • Pasta salads
    • Sweet
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cheesecakes
      • Cupcakes & Muffins
      • Cookies
      • Puddings & Cosy Desserts
      • Bite Size
      • Pies
      • Slices & Bars
      • Frosting & Icing
      • Ice cream
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
        • All
        • Stir fries
        • Noodles
        • Soups
        • Chinese
        • Japanese
        • Korean
        • Thai
        • Vietnamese
      • French
      • Greek
      • Indian
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
      • Middle Eastern
      • South American
    • Dietary
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Calorie
      • Vegetarian
    • Other Categories
      • BBQ
      • Breakfast
      • Burgers
      • Cocktails
      • Party Foods
      • Rice Recipes
      • Roasts
      • Sandwiches & Sliders
    • Cookbook recipes
  • Collections
  • About
    • Me
    • RecipeTin Meals
    • Free Recipe Books
    • Contact
    • Nitty Gritty
      • Policy: Use of Recipes & Images
      • Privacy & Disclosure
Home Collections 15 Minute Meals

Quick Chicken & Vegetable Risoni recipe (Orzo)

By:Nagi
Published:11 Jun '19Updated:14 Aug '23
221 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

Tastes just like risotto…. except it’s far quicker to make! Also known as Orzo, this risoni recipe comes with juicy chicken, a creamy parmesan sauce and plenty of hidden vegetables. It’s a quick one pot recipe the kids are sure to love. (And grown ups too!)

Creamy Chicken Vegetable Risoni in a skillet, fresh off the stove. Quick one pot risoni recipe - 15 minutes!

Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Risoni (Orzo)

This is a quick dinner recipe that will tick all your boxes:

✅ fast and easy to make – 10 minute cook!
✅ made with everyday pantry staples
✅ highly customisable – use whatever vegetables and proteins you want
✅ complete meal – protein, vegetables, carbs, dairy!
✅ the sort of food that’s universally appealing, one that big and little people love

Is there a difference between Orzo and Risoni?

Nope, they’re the same thing! Tiny rice shaped pasta that’s widely available nowadays, it’s called risoni here in Australia but most countries in the world call it orzo.

A quick Risoni recipe that’s a complete dinner made in one pot!

Creamy Chicken Vegetable Risoni in a white skillet, fresh off the stove. Quick chicken dinner recipe!

How to make it

If you’re wondering how on earth this risoni recipe can be cooked so quickly, here’s why – risoni / orzo takes a mere 8 minutes to cook from start to finish.

So we only have it on the stove for 7 minutes, then the tiny rice-like grains keep cooking while you’re faffing around getting bowls out, serving it up, sprinkling on parmesan and yelling for everyone to get to the table for dinner. 😂

How to make Creamy Chicken Vegetable Risoni / Orzo recipe

This one pot method of cooking is an excellent quick-meal option for busy nights. It works for long strand pasta (like this One Pot Chicken Alfredo and One Pot Bolognese) as well as other short pastas (like in this One Pot Vegetable Pasta and Broccoli Pasta).


What you need

And here’s what you need for this Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Risoni. There’s plenty of substitution and customisation options – see below.

Ingredients in Chicken Vegetable Orzo recipe (Risoni)

LOADS of substitution options!

Loads and loads… even the risoni!

  • Risoni / orzo – sub with other very small pasta (like kiddie alphabet, tiny macaroni)

  • Chicken – any protein, or skip it

  • Frozen veg – I use this for convenience, sub with any diced vegetables

  • Baby Spinach – I throw in a couple of handles to get extra nutrition in. Use any wilt-able veggies (even the leafy end of Asian greens!) or add more veggies

  • Parmesan – any grated cheese!

  • Flour – any type of flour (white, brown, self raising, cake flour)

  • Milk – dairy or non dairy! Or a mix of cream and water, or evaporated milk

  • Chicken stock (broth) – stock cube with water. In emergencies, use water and lots more cheese! 😂

  • Onion – leeks, extra garlic, geen onion, shallots

  • Garlic – garlic powder, extra onion

This recipe makes enough for 4 to 5. Leftovers will keep for a few days – but note that leftover pasta is never quite as saucy. Or try making Muffin Tin Spaghetti Nests with the leftovers which kids absolutely adore! ~ Nagi x

Creamy Chicken Vegetable Orzo in a bowl, ready to be eaten

More risoni / orzo recipes

I love risoni because it’s so quick to cook – making it super handy for quick dinners!

  • One Pot Italian Chicken Orzo / Risoni Pasta – cosy, saucy one pot chicken and risoni dinner

  • Orzo / Risoni Bolognaise – one pot bolognese pasta dish!

  • Greek Lemon Orzo Salad – a bright fresh pasta salad loaded with Greek flavours

  • Creamy Salmon Risoni / Orzo (15 Minute Meal) – tastes like risotto, except MUCH faster to make!

  • Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo (Risoni) (One Pot) – tastes like a creamy mushroom risotto

  • Baked Greek Chicken Orzo (Risoni) – Greek chicken AND orzo made in one pot!

  • Pea, Zucchini and Pesto Orzo / Risoni – a wonderful quick side dish

Watch how to make it

Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.

Creamy Chicken Vegetable Orzo in a skillet, fresh off the stove. Quick one pot chicken dinner - 15 minutes!

One Pot Chicken, Vegetable & Parmesan Orzo (Risoni)

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Total: 15 minutes mins
Pasta
Western
4.97 from 64 votes
Servings4 – 5 people
Tap or hover to scale
Print
  • 888

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves , minced
  • 1/2 onion , diced
  • 250g / 8oz chicken thigh or breast , cut into bite size pieces
  • 2 1/2 cups frozen diced vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, capsicum/peppers, anything!)
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo / risoni (Note 1)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp flour
  • 2 1/4 cups (565 ml) milk , any fat %
  • 2 cups (500 ml) chicken or vegetable stock / broth (low sodium)
  • 3 cups baby spinach (packed)
  • 3/4 cup (75g) parmesan (grated)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Serving

  • More parmesan
  • Parsley or chives, if desired

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Make sure the pan is reasonably deep – around 5cm / 2.5″ or more. Otherwise, use a large pot.
  • Add garlic and onion, cook for 1 minute. 
  • Add chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper then cook for 2 minutes until cooked on the outside (raw inside).
  • Add frozen vegetables (still frozen ok) and flour, stir until flour is incorporated.
  • Add risoni/orzo, stock and milk, then stir well.
  • Bring to simmer then adjust heat so it’s bubbling gently (see video). Cook for 7 minutes (no lid), stirring every now and then, until risoni is almost tender (still quite soupy at this stage).
  • Add parmesan and spinach, stir through. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Consistency should be like a loose risotto (it absorbs liquid and thickens quite quickly when serving), nice and creamy.
  • Serve, garnished with parsley and more parmesan if desired!

Recipe Notes:

** Loads of substitutions and customisation options, see in post **
1. Risoni/orzo is a rice shaped pasta. Brilliant for quick meals because it cooks in about 8 minutes! 7 minutes on the stove, then while it’s being finished off.
2. Frozen veg – Feel free to switch the frozen veg with fresh. I used frozen for convenience because this is a handy super quick meal.
3. Leftovers will keep for a few days – but note that leftover pasta is never quite as saucy. Or try making Muffin Tin Spaghetti Nests with the leftovers which kids absolutely adore!
4. Nutrition per serving, assuming 4 very big servings!

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 558gCalories: 536cal (27%)Carbohydrates: 64.5g (22%)Protein: 36.9g (74%)Fat: 15g (23%)Saturated Fat: 5.2g (33%)Cholesterol: 67mg (22%)Sodium: 858mg (37%)Potassium: 608mg (17%)Fiber: 5.3g (22%)Sugar: 14.7g (16%)Vitamin A: 7300IU (146%)Vitamin C: 94.1mg (114%)Calcium: 380mg (38%)Iron: 3.8mg (21%)
Keywords: orzo recipe, quick dinner, risoni
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

Originally published June 2014. Updated June 2019 with fresh new photos, new writing, new video added and most importantly, Life of Dozer section added!

Life of Dozer

Sunny Tuesdays call for lazy working lunches out by the water…. (this is at The Boat Shed in Palm Beach, Sydney 🇦🇺. Not too far from where I live!)

Dozer Boat Shed Palm Beach
Previous Post
Marinated Grilled Salmon
Next Post
Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cooked this? Rate this recipe!




221 Comments

  1. Ian Archbell says

    July 21, 2023 at 10:19 am

    Note that while many countries do use the terms or orzo and rusoni interchangeably, Risoni is more accurate as orzo actually means barley in Italian. So Italians would use Risoni not orzo as the term for the ingredient in this dish.

    Reply
  2. Sharyn Harris says

    July 13, 2023 at 6:17 pm

    5 stars
    Made this today absolutely delicious such a great comfort food for a cool night

    Reply
  3. Lana says

    May 31, 2023 at 8:55 pm

    5 stars
    Will definitely make again! Super easy, and made of staples we usually keep on hand. My toddler loved it. Forgot to pick up some garlic so seasoned the chicken with some garlic powder. Will add bacon next time too.

    Reply
  4. Ron says

    May 17, 2023 at 6:09 pm

    yum…yum….
    Had some issues finding Risoni here in Morocco…..but found a sub….. worked great!!! Enjoy

    Reply
  5. Lee-Anne Hanney says

    May 11, 2023 at 6:18 pm

    5 stars
    New household favourite. My teen finished went back for 2nds and said you need to make this again.
    Had to stir while simmering due to sticking but other that everyone when perfect.

    Reply
  6. Carolyn says

    April 21, 2023 at 10:11 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious and empty bowls all round! Just love your recipes and love this warm comforting pasta that.’s easy to make meat free. I’m grateful for you!

    Reply
  7. Tracy Wilkinson says

    April 5, 2023 at 4:11 pm

    5 stars
    A tasty quick meal that satisfies a mid week meal with leftovers! Winning for everyone. Thanks Nagi ❤️❤️

    Reply
  8. Sue Heddle says

    April 4, 2023 at 8:56 am

    5 stars
    An easy and nutritious feed enjoyed by all. Especially me because it keeps well for a few days. Thanks.

    Reply
  9. Nean says

    March 21, 2023 at 2:36 pm

    Hi Nagi,

    Would this work for a group dinner (ie, made in advance for a shared dinner party)?

    But I will do it at home. Just concerned that it may get too overcooked while resting.

    Thanks, love your posts

    Reply
  10. Elise says

    September 7, 2022 at 3:19 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious & easy. Perfect.

    Reply
  11. Sarah says

    June 5, 2022 at 11:38 am

    5 stars
    This one is on repeat in my house. My two year old loves it and so do I! Delicious and quick. Thank you.

    Reply
  12. Paula says

    May 19, 2022 at 11:43 pm

    Thank you for this recipe! I know it says it serves 4 but it served one hungry husband for dinner and kept enough leftovers for him to bring lunch to work today! Will definitely make again! <3

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 20, 2022 at 2:45 pm

      Wow! I am glad that he enjoyed it so much!! N x

      Reply
  13. Kirsty Moore says

    May 16, 2022 at 5:17 am

    5 stars
    Made this tonight. Turned out so good. Love the Parmesan flavour Yum

    Off to find my next recipie 😁

    Reply
  14. Beverley Greenaway says

    April 17, 2022 at 5:32 pm

    Loved it, I put a bit of lemon juice. Left out cheese and milk as it doesn’t agree with me. Next time I will put diced potatoes, chicken broth and no flour.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 17, 2022 at 10:34 pm

      Woo hoo!! I am so glad you enjoyed it Beverley!! N x

      Reply
  15. Faith says

    April 3, 2022 at 7:51 pm

    My daughter LOVES LOVES LOVES this dish (so do I) so I make it often but maybe I’m doing something wrong: after I add the flour, the orzo always sticks to the bottom of the pot, every one minute I have to scrape the bottom to unstick the orzo… yes, it is a non-stick pot.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 4, 2022 at 8:17 pm

      If it is not a heavy duty non stick pot then it’s more likely to stick Faith. You will need to try a heavier pot or stir more often! N x

      Reply
  16. IW says

    March 28, 2022 at 10:52 am

    Hi, thanks sharing your amazing recipes but …. Can we have metric units in your recipes

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 28, 2022 at 3:18 pm

      Hi Inga – almost all of my recipes have a button at the top that allows you to toggle between metric and cups! N x

      Reply
  17. Carol Rigney says

    December 9, 2021 at 8:07 am

    Can this dish be frozen. My daughter is going to have a baby and I’m cooking for her freezer. Thank you

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 9, 2021 at 2:11 pm

      I don’t think the orzo will freeze well, sorry! N x

      Reply
      • Natalie Lewis says

        December 9, 2021 at 6:30 pm

        5 stars
        I never normally freeze pasta, but do freeze a couple of portions every time we have this and find that it freezes beautifully! We defrost in the fridge overnight, reheat on the hob and add a little water so that the sauce is nice and creamy again. We find that the orzo itself has the same taste and texture on initial cooking and when being reheated! Delicious recipe and I’ve currently got 2 portions defrosting in the fridge for dinner tonight!

        Reply
  18. Lisa says

    October 2, 2021 at 6:49 am

    I was wondering if the Quick Chicken & Vegetable Risoni recipe (Orzo) can be made with rice (basmati) instead of Orzo? I need to make it gluten-free for my son & since GF pasta is usually made with rice… Thanks for any suggestions! I love your recipes!!

    Reply
  19. Dee harris says

    August 9, 2021 at 7:31 pm

    5 stars
    QUICK COLOURFUL & YUMMY
    NAGI WHAT IS THE POT YOU USE FOR THIS?

    TX

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      August 10, 2021 at 9:42 am

      Hi Dee, I use a chasseur pot here. You can eat more here: https://www.recipetineats.com/recipetin-eats-essential-kitchenware/ N x

      Reply
  20. Lisa says

    August 1, 2021 at 5:33 pm

    Hi – just pointing out your method misses the chicken stock step. I was very confused until I watched the video

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      August 2, 2021 at 1:56 pm

      Hi Lisa, it’s noted there in step 5 🙂 N x

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        August 3, 2021 at 5:03 pm

        Omg. I read and read and read and was like ‘when do I add the stock!’ I’m so sorry 🤣

        Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Meet Dozer

Official taste tester of RecipeTin Eats! Meet Dozer
As Featured On

What's for Dinner?

Close up of beef enchiladas in a baking dish, fresh out of the oven

Beef Enchiladas

Butter Chicken served over basmati rice in a bowl, ready to be served

Butter Chicken

Overhead photo of 2 black bowls with Chinese Chicken Salad with Asian Dressing, ready to be eaten

Chinese Chicken Salad

Salisbury Steak recipe in skillet.

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken - 7 ingredient magic. The coconut fragrance is heavenly! recipetineats.com

Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken

Fast prep. Big flavours!

Never miss a recipe

Back to Top
  • Related
  • RecipeTin Japan
  • Food Bloggers Center
  • Help
  • Contact Us
  • Image Use
  • Privacy Policy & Terms
Site Credits Maintained by Zao Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled © RecipeTin Eats 2023 · All Rights Reserved Back to Top