Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is the perfect one-pan wonder for busy nights when you crave something warm, cozy, and indulgent without the fuss. This dish marries the tender juiciness of seared chicken with the rich, velvety textures of Parmesan and cream, all soaked up beautifully by orzo pasta. This meal, with its comforting flavors and creamy sauce, feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Whether it’s a family dinner or a meal to impress guests, this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo will surely be a crowd-pleaser with its simplicity and deliciously satisfying flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy dinner and less cleanup afterward.
- Comfort Food Favorite: Creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor, it’s everything you want in comfort food.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 45 minutes, it’s the ideal dish for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrients, or a squeeze of lemon for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken stock (plus extra if substituting for wine)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in a mixture of flour and dried parsley. This light coating will give the chicken a lovely golden crust and help thicken the sauce later.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside on a plate; you’ll add it back in later.
2. Cook the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add diced onion, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic, stirring for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics build a delicious flavor base for your sauce.
3. Toast the Orzo and Add Liquids
Stir in the dry orzo, letting it absorb some of the flavors from the onions and garlic. Pour in either the white wine or an additional ½ cup of chicken stock and cook for a minute, allowing the orzo to toast lightly. Then add the remaining chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Cream and Parmesan
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. The sauce will begin to thicken as the orzo cooks, creating that irresistibly creamy texture.
5. Finish and Serve
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, allowing it to heat through and soak up some of the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Orzo Cooking: Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan or clumping together.
- Add Greens: For extra nutrition and a pop of color, stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Lemon for Brightness: A light squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can balance the richness of the dish with a fresh hint of acidity.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian (optional with vegetable broth)
Notes
- Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to adjust.
- Cheese Options: For extra flavor, experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~569 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~28g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Orzo works best for this dish, as its small shape absorbs the sauce beautifully. However, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells could also work in a pinch.
Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut cream, and use a plant-based Parmesan substitute.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can make it ahead and reheat on the stovetop with an extra splash of chicken stock to revive the sauce.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to help restore its creamy consistency.
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Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. The combination of seared chicken, Parmesan, and tender orzo in a rich cream sauce is a winner for family dinners, date nights, or even solo indulgence. Once you try this one-pan wonder, you’ll find yourself coming back to it whenever you need a satisfying meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Enjoy!
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Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is the perfect one-pan wonder for busy nights when you crave something warm, cozy, and indulgent without the fuss. This dish marries the tender juiciness of seared chicken with the rich, velvety textures of Parmesan and cream, all soaked up beautifully by orzo pasta. This meal, with its comforting flavors and creamy sauce, feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Whether it’s a family dinner or a meal to impress guests, this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo will surely be a crowd-pleaser with its simplicity and deliciously satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken stock (plus extra if substituting for wine)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in a mixture of flour and dried parsley. This light coating will give the chicken a lovely golden crust and help thicken the sauce later.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside on a plate; you’ll add it back in later.
2. Cook the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add diced onion, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic, stirring for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics build a delicious flavor base for your sauce.
3. Toast the Orzo and Add Liquids
Stir in the dry orzo, letting it absorb some of the flavors from the onions and garlic. Pour in either the white wine or an additional ½ cup of chicken stock and cook for a minute, allowing the orzo to toast lightly. Then add the remaining chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Cream and Parmesan
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. The sauce will begin to thicken as the orzo cooks, creating that irresistibly creamy texture.
5. Finish and Serve
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, allowing it to heat through and soak up some of the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to adjust.
- Cheese Options: For extra flavor, experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano.
