Creamy Chicken Orzo

If you’re searching for a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Orzo. This dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels gourmet but is easy enough for any home cook. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!

The Upside of Creamy Chicken Orzo

Creamy Chicken Orzo is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The creamy sauce envelops the orzo pasta, creating a rich and satisfying bite with every forkful. The addition of fresh herbs and the zesty brightness from lemon juice elevates the dish, while the tender, cubed chicken keeps it hearty. Here are some reasons to love this recipe:

• Comfort Food: It’s warm, creamy, and utterly satisfying.
• Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in around 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables or swapping out the protein.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal!

What Goes In

To create this delectable Creamy Chicken Orzo, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Chopped fresh thyme
• Lemon juice

Before You Start: Equipment

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment ready:

• Large skillet: A wide skillet will allow for even cooking of the chicken and pasta.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to great flavors.
• Sharp knife: For chopping vegetables and cubing the chicken.
• Cutting board: A stable surface for your prep work.

Creamy Chicken Orzo, Made Easy

Follow these simple steps to whip up your Creamy Chicken Orzo:

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is well coated.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Orzo and Broth

Pour in the dry orzo pasta and stir to coat it in the oil and aromatics. Add the low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the orzo is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the room temperature heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.

Step 7: Serve

Dish out the Creamy Chicken Orzo into bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs on top. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Make It Diet-Friendly

This Creamy Chicken Orzo can easily be modified to suit various dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Whole Wheat Orzo: Swap regular orzo for whole wheat for added fiber.
• Low-Fat Cream: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
• Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

When testing this Creamy Chicken Orzo, we found that using room temperature heavy cream helps the sauce come together smoothly without curdling. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine before adding the broth. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

Leftover Creamy Chicken Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken while stored. This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the cream may separate upon thawing.

Your Top Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for this dish, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can include crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic, or stir in some diced jalapeños for a fresh kick.

Can I add vegetables to the Creamy Chicken Orzo?

Yes! Adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers can enhance the dish’s nutritional value and flavor. Just toss them in when you return the chicken to the skillet.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely! The creamy sauce and tender chicken are usually a hit with kids. If your little ones are picky, you can blend in some veggies to make it more nutritious without altering the taste.

Quick Weeknight Wins

If you’re looking for more easy weeknight meals, check out these delicious recipes:

• Sally’s Chicken Parmesan
• Pinch of Yum’s Easy Chicken Tacos
• Minimalist Baker’s 30-Minute Vegan Chili
• Sally’s One-Pan Chicken and Rice

Before You Go

Now that you have all the knowledge to create this delightful Creamy Chicken Orzo, we hope you feel inspired to step into your kitchen and whip up this comforting dish. The combination of flavors and the creamy texture makes it a family favorite and a great option for guests too. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Orzo

This Creamy Chicken Orzo is a cozy dish, blending tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked orzo!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

For the Sauce:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Chopped fresh thyme
• Lemon juice

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is well coated.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the dry orzo pasta and stir to coat it in the oil and aromatics. Add the low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente.
5. Once the orzo is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the room temperature heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
7. Dish out the Creamy Chicken Orzo into bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs on top. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Notes

• Using room temperature heavy cream helps the sauce come together smoothly without curdling.
• For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of white wine before the broth.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.