This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner at home. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, paired with creamy, cheesy orzo, and enhanced with fragrant garlic and herbs. It’s a delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, allowing it to toast slightly.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cheese:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine and Serve:
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo.
- Allow everything to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Calories (per serving): Approximately 450-500 calories (based on 4 servings)
Healthy or Non-Healthy:
This recipe is a balanced meal with a good source of protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the orzo. However, the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese make it rich in fats and calories, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. To make it healthier, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, and increase the vegetable content by adding spinach or broccoli.
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is guaranteed to become a family favorite!