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.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Ingredients

½ cup frozen peas
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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