There’s something truly special about a creamy, cheesy dish that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Orzo combines golden-brown chicken in a rich parmesan sauce with tender orzo, creating a meal that’s easy to make yet incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this dish brings together comforting flavors that everyone will love. Let’s dive into this creamy, savory, and cheesy delight!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large tomato, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until softened. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, enhancing the base flavor for the Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Orzo.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Stir in the orzo pasta with the onions and garlic. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the orzo, giving it a slightly nutty flavor that will add depth to the dish.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Tomato
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomato to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This process allows the orzo to absorb the flavors of the broth and tomato.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Once the orzo is tender, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken and become creamy, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed, to bring out the full flavor of this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Orzo.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir to combine with the creamy orzo mixture. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Orzo hot, and enjoy every comforting, flavorful bite!
Variation
For a twist, try adding spinach or kale to the dish for a bit of green. You can stir in a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients. Alternatively, replace the orzo with a small pasta like ditalini or couscous for a different texture.
Cooking Note
Be sure to watch the orzo while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Stirring occasionally helps distribute the flavors evenly and ensures that each grain absorbs the creamy sauce fully.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Orzo pairs well with a light green salad or roasted vegetables, balancing the creaminess of the dish. Garlic bread or crusty baguettes are also great for scooping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Chicken Substitute: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Consistency: For a thicker sauce, let the dish simmer for a few more minutes. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~490
- Protein: ~32g
- Sodium: ~850mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even couscous work well in place of orzo. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
A: If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to adjust the consistency. Stir well to incorporate the liquid into the sauce.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or even diced bell peppers can be added during the cooking process to add color, flavor, and nutrients.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Orzo is the perfect dish for those who crave a comforting, creamy, and flavorful meal. It combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan, and creamy orzo, creating a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish makes a great choice for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy, delicious dinner. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite, and feel free to make it your own with added vegetables or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top
Print
- Total Time: 35
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large tomato, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until softened. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, enhancing the base flavor for the Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Orzo.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Stir in the orzo pasta with the onions and garlic. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the orzo, giving it a slightly nutty flavor that will add depth to the dish.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Tomato
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomato to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This process allows the orzo to absorb the flavors of the broth and tomato.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Once the orzo is tender, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken and become creamy, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed, to bring out the full flavor of this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Orzo.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir to combine with the creamy orzo mixture. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Orzo hot, and enjoy every comforting, flavorful bite!
Notes
Cooking Note
Be sure to watch the orzo while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Stirring occasionally helps distribute the flavors evenly and ensures that each grain absorbs the creamy sauce fully.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
Nutrition
- Calories: 490
- Sodium: 850mg
- Protein: 32g