Description
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is a comforting one-pan dish featuring tender cubed chicken breast cooked to golden perfection, then simmered with orzo pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that is both hearty and flavorful, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is browned on the outside and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and add broth: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta into the boiling chicken broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the orzo for approximately 10 minutes, or until it is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Create the creamy sauce and combine: Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing well to combine with the creamy orzo.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy Parmesan chicken and orzo onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushy texture; it should be tender but still hold its shape.
- Chicken breast can be substituted with thigh meat, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Garnish with additional herbs like thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.
