Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is the kind of comfort dish that instantly makes any night feel just a little more special. Imagine tender bites of golden chicken mingling with silky orzo, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s loaded with layers of flavor from Parmesan, garlic, and a touch of Italian seasoning. This one-pan wonder is effortlessly elegant, yet easy enough for any weeknight, and it’s practically guaranteed to turn both family dinners and friend gatherings into immediate favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo comes from its straightforward ingredient list, where every element pulls its weight in the final dish. These essentials come together for maximum flavor, vibrant color, and irresistible texture.
- Chicken breasts: Tender, protein-packed bites form the heart of the dish and soak up all those luscious flavors.
- Olive oil: Helps the chicken achieve a beautiful golden sear and adds a subtle richness.
- Unsalted butter: Provides the base for sautéing onions and helps build a silky-smooth sauce.
- Yellow onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic: Infuses the skillet with a punchy, aromatic kick you’ll look forward to in every bite.
- Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks up creamy, making each forkful irresistibly tender and cozy.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Lends savory notes and keeps everything moist without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Heavy cream: The star that turns everything into velvety, luscious comfort.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully for that unmistakable, robust flavor and cheesy finish.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that let the savory flavors shine and balance everything out.
- Italian seasoning: Adds herbal undertones that tie all the flavors together beautifully.
- Baby spinach (optional): A pop of green and a dose of nutrients, if you’d like to sneak in some extra veggies.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The fresh finishing touch for both color and brightness before serving.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. Scatter in your bite-sized chicken pieces and season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let them sizzle undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get that glorious golden color, then give them a quick stir and cook until they’re cooked through. Once the chicken looks perfect, scoop it out and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll come back for its starring moment soon.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base
Without cleaning the pan, reduce the heat slightly and melt the butter. Toss in the diced onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally so it picks up all the little golden bits left behind by the chicken. After a few minutes, stir in the garlic and let it become fragrant—it’ll only need about 30 seconds to work its magic.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the uncooked orzo directly to the pan, stirring so each grain is coated in buttery, garlicky goodness. This step is the secret behind the toasty, slightly nutty flavor that makes Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo extra irresistible.
Step 4: Simmer to Creaminess
Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a gentle stir. Bring to a simmer and let the orzo cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. Most of the broth will absorb, and the orzo will become perfectly tender—taste a grain to check for doneness.
Step 5: Make It Creamy & Cheesy
Once the orzo is tender, stir in the heavy cream and toss in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the Parmesan melts into the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture. Don’t be shy—the creamier, the better!
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the seared chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet, folding it into the cheesy orzo. If you’re using spinach, add it now and let it wilt gently into the warmth of the pan for about one to two minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then get ready to serve up the dreamiest Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo ever.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
Garnishes
A shower of chopped fresh parsley is absolutely classic for topping Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo, giving each bowl a pop of color and a burst of freshness. For extra flair, you can add another sprinkle of Parmesan or even a few grinds of black pepper on top—simple touches that truly elevate the presentation and the first bite.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a complete one-pan meal, but if you’re looking to round out the plate, consider pairing with a crisp green salad, garlicky roasted vegetables, or a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of sauce. Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo also loves the company of steamed broccoli or a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, spoon the orzo onto individual plates and top with slices of chicken and a cascade of fresh herbs. Or, tuck everything into a large, beautiful serving dish for a cozy family-style meal at the table. If you’re going for a more whimsical vibe, serve in small bowls as a comforting starter at a dinner party—everyone will be begging for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making lunch or dinner the next day almost as exciting as the first serving.
Freezing
While many creamy dishes can be finicky to freeze, you can stash leftover portions of Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, let the dish cool completely, then pack into single-serve containers. Be aware that the sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but gentle reheating will help bring it back together.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the luscious texture. Stir as you heat, and don’t let it bubble too hard—this helps keep the sauce creamy and smooth instead of splitting.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They offer even more tenderness and richer flavor, so use whatever you have on hand.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, for a lighter take on Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo, substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream. It will still be satisfyingly creamy, just with a little less richness.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and melts more smoothly, but pre-grated cheese will work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it might not be quite as creamy or robust.
How can I add more vegetables?
Spinach is a wonderful start, but you can mix in peas, sautéed mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes for more color and taste. Fold them in at the end so they stay vibrant and fresh.
Is Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo gluten-free?
As written, this dish is not gluten-free since orzo is a wheat-based pasta. However, you can try a gluten-free orzo alternative or small rice-shaped gluten-free pasta for a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in just one pan, you’ve found your new favorite in Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request around your table—it’s just that good. Try it soon, and get ready for second helpings!
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Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Orzo:
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook seasoned chicken until golden.
- Prepare the Orzo: In the same pan, cook onions and garlic, then add orzo and chicken broth. Simmer until orzo is tender.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy. Add back the chicken and spinach if using.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance the dish with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
