If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious dish, then Creamy Orzo With Chicken is truly A Wonderful Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love. This recipe combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan, and a velvety cream sauce all hugged by tender orzo pasta. Each bite melts together layers of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors that make it an instant weeknight favorite. Trust me, once you try this dish you’ll keep coming back for more, and it’s a perfect dish to share with family or friends any night of the week.

A Wonderful Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple collection of ingredients, which all come together to pack incredible flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the creamy cheese to the juicy chicken and hearty orzo, creating a well-rounded dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Orzo pasta (1 cup): This tiny pasta cooks quickly and provides a tender, rice-like base that soaks up all the creamy sauce beautifully.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the chicken evenly.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, diced): Provides lean protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy.

Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to elevate all the flavors.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic warmth that complements the creamy elements perfectly.
Chicken broth (3 cups): Imparts savory richness and is the cooking medium for the orzo, infusing it with flavor.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates that luscious, silky texture that makes this dish so indulgent.

Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Contributes a sharp, salty tang and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Frozen peas (½ cup, optional): Offers pops of color and a mildly sweet freshness.
Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped for garnish): Adds a bright herbal finish just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Orzo With Chicken: A Wonderful Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. This ensures that when you add the chicken, it will sear nicely, creating golden edges and locking in juices.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken breast to the hot skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once ready, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—it’ll be reunited with the creamy orzo soon!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds just until fragrant. The residual oil and browned bits left behind by the chicken will add fantastic depth of flavor.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Stir the orzo into the skillet with the garlic and olive oil, mixing it well. Toast the orzo gently for 1 to 2 minutes. This step enhances the nutty flavors and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy later.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer—this is where the orzo begins absorbing all that wonderful savory liquid.

Step 6: Cook the Orzo

Let the orzo simmer in the broth for about 10 to 12 minutes, giving it a good stir here and there. The pasta should soak up most of the broth and become tender yet pleasantly firm to the bite.

Step 7: Create the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Watch how the cheese melts into the cream, thickening the mixture into a dreamy sauce that coats every morsel perfectly.

Step 8: Combine Chicken and Peas

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and, if you’re using peas, add them now. Let everything cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the peas thaw or cook through.

Step 9: Adjust Seasoning

Give it a quick taste and add more salt or pepper if necessary. This final seasoning touch ensures every bite bursts with the right balance of flavor.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. The bright green color adds a burst of freshness and a welcoming aroma that will make everyone eager to dig in.

How to Serve Creamy Orzo With Chicken: A Wonderful Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, introducing a pop of lively green and herbaceous brightness. For a little extra flair, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This creamy orzo and chicken dish is wonderfully hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables. Consider steamed asparagus or a light kale salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve this dish in individual ramekins or wide bowls so that the creamy orzo can be the star front and center. Garnish with edible flowers or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for a touch of elegance. It also works well as a base for layering with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more depth visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover creamy orzo and chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind the creaminess may separate slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy texture. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and ensure even warming. This way, it tastes almost as fresh as the first time around!

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or tiny shells work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed since pasta size and shape affect how quickly they cook.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free twist.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Definitely! Just toss in the cooked chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through so it doesn’t dry out. This is a great way to use up rotisserie or other cooked chicken.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Adding peas is a great start, but you could also stir in spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the orzo or during the final cooking stages for extra color and nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This creamy orzo and chicken holds up well for a few days refrigerated, making it ideal for ready-made lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting and satisfying about this Creamy Orzo With Chicken that it truly qualifies as A Wonderful Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a family, or impressing guests, this dish delivers on flavor, ease, and that cozy, homemade feeling we all crave. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!

Creamy Orzo With Chicken: A Wonderful Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 5 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy orzo with chicken recipe is a comforting and delicious one-pot meal featuring tender diced chicken, toasted orzo pasta, and a rich sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with garlic, optional peas, and fresh parsley, it’s an easy yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Instructions

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering and hot enough to sauté.
Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken seasoned with salt and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Add the Orzo: Stir the orzo into the skillet with the garlic and remaining oil. Toast the orzo slightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat it well.
Incorporate the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Orzo: Let the orzo cook in the simmering broth for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo will absorb most of the liquid and become tender but still slightly firm.
Create the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Combine Chicken and Peas: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. If using, add the frozen peas as well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is reheated and peas are warmed through.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed to suit your preference.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of freshness, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

To keep the dish lighter, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.

If fresh parsley is unavailable, you can use dried parsley or fresh basil as an alternative garnish.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free orzo pasta or substitute with rice or quinoa.
You can add other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 2g

Sodium: 630mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g

Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g

Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: creamy orzo with chicken, one-pot chicken pasta, easy chicken dinners, creamy orzo recipe, comfort food, Italian-inspired chicken recipe