40-Minute One-Pot Chicken, Butternut Squash and Sage Orzo Bliss

You know those nights when you want something cozy and delicious but don’t want to fuss with a million pots? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this One-Pot Chicken, Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo. It’s become my go-to when I need a no-fuss dinner that still feels special. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pot, the chicken gets juicy, the butternut squash turns buttery soft, and the orzo soaks up all those amazing flavors. I first made this on a hectic weeknight when my sink was already full of dishes, and now it’s in permanent rotation. Trust me, that first bite of tender chicken and sweet squash with the herby sage? Pure magic.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Chicken, Butternut Squash, and Sage Orzo Bliss

This dish is my secret weapon for busy nights, and here’s why:

• One-pot wonder, no mountain of dishes to wash, just one glorious pot that does all the work
• Flavor magic, the sage and Parmesan make it taste fancy, while the squash adds natural sweetness
• Weeknight hero, Ready in 40 minutes flat, from fridge to table with minimal effort
• Leftover champ, tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long!)

Seriously, this is comfort food that won’t leave you exhausted after making it. The perfect balance of easy and impressive!

Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken, Butternut Squash and Sage Orzo Bliss

Gathering everything is half the battle, right? Here’s what you’ll need for this cozy one-pot wonder. I’ve grouped them so you can check things off as you go:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces, trust me, thighs stay juicier than breasts here)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Orzo Magic:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup water
• 1 cup butternut squash (peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes, smaller pieces cook faster!)
• 1 tbsp fresh sage (chopped, don’t skimp, it makes the dish)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the green can)

See? Simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch. Now let’s get cooking!

Equipment Needed

You won’t need much to make this one-pot wonder, grab these basics from your kitchen:

• A large pot (I use my trusty 5-quart Dutch oven)
• Cutting board (for prepping that squash and chicken)
• Chef’s knife (make sure it’s sharp for easy dicing)

That’s it! No fancy gadgets required, just simple tools you probably already have.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken, Butternut Squash and Sage Orzo Bliss

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens; everything comes together in one pot for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner ready before you know it.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

First, grab that large pot and heat your olive oil over medium heat. When it shimmers (you’ll see those little ripples in the oil), toss in your chicken pieces along with the salt and pepper. Now here’s the key: don’t crowd them! Let them get nice and golden brown on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes total. You’re not cooking them through completely yet; we want that beautiful color and flavor to develop.

Step 2: Add Orzo and Liquids

Once your chicken looks deliciously browned, it’s time to add the dry orzo and diced butternut squash. Give everything a good stir to coat the orzo in those tasty chicken juices. Then pour in your chicken broth and water, carefully, it might sizzle! Bring the whole mixture to a boil (you’ll see bubbles breaking the surface all over), then immediately reduce the heat to low. This transition is crucial for perfect orzo texture.

Step 3: Simmer and Finish

Cover your pot and let everything simmer gently for 15 minutes. I like to give it a quick stir about halfway through to prevent sticking. When time’s up, remove from heat and stir in that fragrant fresh sage and Parmesan cheese. Here’s my pro tip: let it sit uncovered for 2 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. The wait will be worth it, I promise!

Tips for Perfect One-Pot Chicken, Butternut Squash and Sage Orzo Bliss

Want to take this dish from good to “can I have seconds?” great? Here are my foolproof tricks:

• Broth boost: If your orzo looks too thick at the end, stir in an extra splash of warm broth; it’ll loosen right up into creamy perfection
• Squash check: Poke a cube with a fork at the 12-minute mark; it should be tender but not mushy
• Sage swap: No fresh sage? Use 1 tsp dried, but add it with the liquids so it has time to bloom

Little tweaks make all the difference with one-pot wonders like this! For more recipe ideas, check out sites like Recipes Loop.

Variations for One-Pot Chicken, Butternut Squash and Sage Orzo Bliss

Feel like mixing it up? Try these easy swaps:

• Swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes or spinach (add spinach at the end!)
• Use rosemary or thyme instead of sage for a different herby kick
• Make it creamy with a splash of heavy cream when adding the Parmesan

This recipe’s flexible, make it your own! You can find other great one-pot meals on our site.

Serving Suggestions

This cozy orzo dish shines all on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, try it with a simple arugula salad (that peppery bite cuts through the richness perfectly) or some warm garlic bread for soaking up every last bit. Personally, I love it with just an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a glass of white wine, instant bistro vibes at home!

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store this in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to bring back that creamy texture; microwave or stovetop both work beautifully. Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight, making lunch the next day even more delicious!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I can tell you this dish packs plenty of good stuff from that beautiful butternut squash and lean chicken. Keep in mind these values are just estimates that’ll vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. The squash gives you vitamin A for days, the chicken brings protein to keep you full, and that Parmesan? Well, that brings joy, which counts as nutrition in my book! If you’re tracking closely, I’d recommend plugging your exact ingredients into your favorite calculator. But mostly? Just enjoy every comforting, flavorful bite without overthinking it.

Common Questions About One-Pot Chicken, Butternut Squash and Sage Orzo Bliss

I get asked about this recipe all the time. Here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and probably yours too!):

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment or rating below!

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out Recipesloop.

One-Pot Chicken, Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

A simple one-pot dish with chicken, butternut squash, and orzo, flavored with sage.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Orzo

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup butternut squash peeled and diced
• 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in orzo, butternut squash, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in sage and Parmesan cheese. Let stand for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a creamier texture, stir in an extra splash of broth before serving.