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Creamy Orzo With Chicken Recipe

Creamy Orzo With Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

This creamy orzo with chicken is a comforting and easy-to-make one-pot meal featuring tender diced chicken, silky orzo pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines simple ingredients for a flavorful and satisfying dish garnished with fresh parsley.

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  3. Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it in the garlic and oil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
  4. Add cream and cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and frozen peas (if using). Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce is creamy and the peas are heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Combine chicken and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm the chicken through and allow flavors to meld.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best creamy texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Frozen peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and sweetness to the dish.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor, as pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your chicken broth is salty.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy orzo, chicken orzo, Parmesan orzo, easy dinner, one-pot meal, creamy pasta with chicken

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/creamy-orzo-with-chicken-recipe/