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Creamy Parmesan Chicken Orzo

creamy parmesan chicken orzo - featured image

A comforting one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, rich parmesan, and perfectly cooked orzo in a creamy garlic sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the orzo pasta, letting it toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Let the orzo cook in the liquid for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta is ready when tender and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the grated parmesan. Mix until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through.
  8. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm.

Notes

[‘Toast the orzo lightly before adding liquid for enhanced flavor.’, ‘Use freshly grated parmesan for better melting and flavor.’, ‘If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.’, ‘Keep an eye on the orzo to avoid overcooking; aim for al dente texture.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Chicken Orzo, one-pot recipe, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food