Description

Lush Creamy Parmesan Chicken Orzo is a quick and hearty one-pot meal combining tender chicken breasts, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. This comforting dish offers a rich, cheesy texture with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

2 boneless chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta and Sauce

1 cup dry orzo pasta
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Toast Orzo: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the dry orzo pasta and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to enhance its nutty flavor.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered, stirring occasionally until it softens and absorbs most of the liquid, about 10 minutes.
Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Reduce heat to low and slowly mix in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Chicken and Finish Cooking: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet. Gently fold the chicken into the creamy orzo. Allow everything to heat through for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top just before serving to add freshness and a vibrant pop of color.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-grated.
Do not overcook the orzo; it should remain tender but slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
Allow the cooked chicken to rest briefly to retain juiciness and tenderness.
Stir in the cream slowly over low heat to achieve a silky sauce and avoid curdling.
Add fresh herbs at the last minute to maintain their brightness and aroma.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Parmesan chicken, creamy orzo, easy dinner, one pot meal, weeknight recipe, comfort food, chicken pasta