If you’ve been craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every bite, this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe is exactly what you need. Silky, tender chunks of chicken meet delicate orzo pasta cooked to perfection in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that’s flavour-packed without being overwhelming. From the first spoonful, the blend of fresh herbs, rich Parmesan, and the subtle zest of tomatoes make this dish irresistible and satisfying. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that comes together with simple ingredients yet tastes like something truly special, perfect for feeding family or impressing guests with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each one plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful color of this dish. Let’s look at what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: To brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics with a lovely golden touch.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential savory punch and aroma.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The star pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs all the creamy goodness.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates the flavorful cooking liquid for the orzo.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Infuses the dish with slight acidity and colorful freshness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The magic ingredient making the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty umami and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens with a fresh herbal note and a splash of green.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a classic Mediterranean flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Rounds out the herbaceous profile spectacularly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick of spice for balance.
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: For an extra tangy, chewy texture contrast.
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a touch of creamy, salty decadence if you want to mix it up.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken cubes with a pinch of salt and black pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken until it’s cooked through and beautifully seared on the outside. This step locks in juices, giving you tender, flavorful bites every time. Remove the chicken and set it aside to stay warm.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add chopped onions. Cook gently until they soften and turn translucent, releasing their sweetness. Follow up by stirring in garlic for just about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it — this builds the layered flavor foundation for your dish.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet with the softened aromatics and stir constantly for a couple of minutes. Toasting the orzo lightly enhances its nutty flavor and ensures each grain stays perfectly separate once cooked.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer. This slow simmer lets the orzo absorb the flavorful liquid while tenderizing to a luscious, creamy texture. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese along with parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce thicken gently for a few minutes, turning the dish silky and rich with every stir.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, folding it into the creamy orzo. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you’re feeling adventurous, now is the time to add sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, giving this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe a wonderful twist of tang and texture.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or a little more grated Parmesan on top to brighten the dish and add a fresh aroma. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can also awaken the flavors beautifully just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crunchy green salad or roasted vegetables adds textural contrast and nutritional balance. Garlic bread or warm pita can be wonderful for mopping up the luscious sauce too!
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try serving your creamy chicken orzo in individual bowls with a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes and a small wedge of lemon on the side. Alternatively, scoop it into shallow ramekins, broil briefly with extra cheese on top, and serve as mini gratins. Fun and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making next-day meals just as tasty, if not better.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe freezes well in portions. Place cooled servings into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 2 months, which makes it a perfect meal prep candidate.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it looks too thick. It’s best enjoyed warmed thoroughly but not boiled again to keep the creaminess intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is special for its small shape and quick cooking, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells will also work nicely to soak up the creamy sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and thick. To maintain creaminess, adding a little flour or cornstarch slurry can help thicken the sauce.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes quite well. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and use airtight containers. When reheating, you might need to add a bit of liquid to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken—or substitute with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein. The orzo and creamy sauce still shine beautifully without the meat.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio works wonderfully. The acidity balances the creaminess, while the fruitiness complements the herbs and tomatoes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and delightful about this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe that makes it a cherished staple in my kitchen. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken cubes, toasted orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Infused with Italian herbs and fresh parsley, this simple recipe comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for a family dinner or weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to evenly season all pieces.
- Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the onion: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened and translucent, roughly 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
- Toast the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil and aromatics. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to lightly toast the pasta and enhance its nuttiness.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Create creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, remaining salt, and black pepper. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine chicken: Gently fold the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy orzo mixture, warming everything through evenly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed to balance flavors.
- Add optional ingredients: If desired, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese to add extra tang and depth to the dish.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken orzo immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less thick.
- Orzo can be cooked separately and stirred in at the end to prevent overcooking if preferred.
- Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley for a brighter flavor if available.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
