Creamy Dreamy Chicken Parmesan Orzo

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever have one of those nights where you just crave comfort food? I do. Honestly, Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is my go-to dish.

It's like a warm hug in a bowl. The creamy sauce and tender chicken are simply heavenly!

Brief Overview

This Italian chicken orzo recipe is originally inspired by classic Alfredo. It's super easy to make. We're talking about a One-pot chicken orzo ready in under 40 minutes.

This recipe yields four generous servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

This dish is packed with protein from the chicken. Plus, it's a real winner because you can whip it up on a busy weeknight.

What makes this recipe special is the amazing creamy texture and richness. The Parmesan is what does it.

Time to Get Creamy

You know what I love? Simple ingredients. Here’s what you need for this Tender Chicken Orzo With Parmesan masterpiece:

• One and a half pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into one-inch pieces.
• One tablespoon of olive oil.
• One medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
• Two cloves of minced garlic.
• One cup of chicken broth.
• One cup of heavy cream.
• One cup of orzo pasta.
• Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish.
• Quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley.
• One teaspoon of dried Italian herbs.
• Half a teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
• Quarter teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
• One tablespoon of butter.
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional).

That's it! I swear, you probably have half of these things already. With these ingredients, you can make Chicken Alfredo Orzo Pasta for you and your friends.

Equipment You Will Need

Alright, let’s talk tools. You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make this Creamy orzo recipe . A big skillet or Dutch oven is your best bet.

Make sure it's at least 12 inches wide. You'll also need your usual measuring cups and spoons. A trusty knife and a cutting board are also a must.

And don’t forget a good wooden spoon or spatula.

Now, let's get down to making the Best Chicken Dishes Dinners with this Parmesan Chicken With Orzo !

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk about what you need to nail this Creamy Dreamy Chicken Parmesan Orzo! It's way easier than you think.

Honestly, the ingredient list might look long ish, but it's mostly stuff you probably already have.

Main Ingredients

For the heart of our Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo , here's what you'll need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces. Get good quality chicken, you know? It makes all the difference.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil just your regular stuff.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g).
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is a must!
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth low sodium is always a good idea.
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream this is where the "creamy" comes in!
• 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta.
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving. Honestly, go for the good stuff here. Pre-grated just isn't the same.
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley for a pop of freshness!
• 1 tsp (5ml) dried Italian herbs.
• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) salt, or to taste.
• 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) black pepper, or to taste.
• 1 tbsp (15g) butter.
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional).

Seasoning Notes

Want to make your Tender Chicken Orzo With Parmesan pop? Don't skimp on these!

Italian herbs are your best friend here. They add that classic Italian flavor. Think rosemary, thyme, oregano the works! A good pinch of salt and pepper is essential.

Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything up. It's like a little ray of sunshine in your bowl of Chicken Alfredo Orzo Pasta !

Equipment Needed

For this Easy chicken and orzo dinner , you don't need fancy gear.

• A large skillet or Dutch oven. Aim for at least 12 inches in diameter.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A cutting board.
• A chef's knife.
• And finally, a wooden spoon or spatula. That’s about it! See? No fancy gadgets needed. Let's make some magic happen with this best chicken dishes dinners recipe!

Creamy Dreamy Chicken Parmesan Orzo: Let's Get Cooking!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good one-pan meal? Especially when it involves chicken and pasta swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo recipe is my go-to when I need something quick, comforting, and seriously satisfying. Think of it as a grown-up version of mac and cheese, but with added protein and a touch of Italian flair.

I mean, who can say no to Italian chicken orzo recipe ?

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let's get organized. It's all about that mise en place , my friends. Dice that onion (about 1 cup / 150g), mince those garlic cloves, and chop the parsley (1/4 cup / 15g).

Cut those chicken breasts (1.5 lbs / 680g) into bite sized pieces. Having everything ready to go makes cooking so much smoother, trust me.

This is all about saving time and creating one of the Best Chicken Dishes Dinners ! Oh, and a little reminder: wash your hands before you start chopping.

step-by-step to Creamy Chicken Orzo Goodness

Here's how to whip up this one-pot chicken orzo wonder:

1. Season those chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs (1 tsp / 5ml).
2. Heat olive oil (1 tbsp / 15 ml) in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sauté the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Melt butter (1 tbsp / 15g) and sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes . Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute .
4. Pour in the chicken broth (1 cup / 240ml), scraping up those tasty browned bits. Simmer gently.
5. Stir in heavy cream (1 cup / 240ml) and orzo (1 cup / 200g). Simmer, covered, on low for 12- 15 minutes , stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup / 50g). Cook until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy .
7. Stir in the parsley. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a lemon wedge, if you're feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for Maximum Creaminess

• Don't overcook the orzo ! You want it al dente . I cannot stress this enough.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan (1/2 cup / 50g). The flavor is just so much better.
• If the sauce gets too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This Cream Of Chicken Orzo is perfect every time.

And there you have it! A tender Chicken Orzo With Parmesan that's sure to impress. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

So, you're about to dive into making this amazing Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo ? Brilliant! This easy chicken and orzo dinner is practically foolproof.

Let's chat about some things I've learned along the way. Honestly, cooking is all about having fun.

Serving Up Some Style: Presentation Ideas

Okay, presentation! This tender chicken orzo with Parmesan is seriously delish. Make it look fancy by plating a generous scoop of Parmesan Chicken With Orzo , and garnish with extra Parmesan.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley gives it that "chef's kiss" look. Lemon wedges on the side brighten it up. Serve this Italian chicken orzo recipe alongside steamed broccoli.

Garlic bread is always a winner. A simple green salad cuts through the richness.

Keeping It Fresh: Storage Tips

Leftovers? Lucky you! The Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Use an airtight container. Want to freeze it? It works. Place in a freezer safe container for up to a month.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream.

This helps to keep it nice and creamy. Don’t let it dry out.

Mix It Up: Delicious Variations

Fancy tweaking this creamy orzo recipe ? Go for it! For a lighter version, use half and-half. Sub the heavy cream to reduce the richness.

To spice it up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth.

And there you have it, vegetarian Cream Of Chicken Orzo . It’s incredibly yummy!

Nutrition Lowdown: The Good Stuff

This Best Chicken Dishes Dinners is packed with goodness. Each serving has around 650 calories. You also get about 45g of protein.

Plus, you also get around 40g of carbohydrates. It's a balanced and satisfying meal.

Okay, enough chit chat! Get in the kitchen and have fun. I know you'll nail this one-pot chicken orzo . Honestly, even if you mess up a little, it'll still taste incredible.

Let me know how it turns out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can definitely prep some components in advance! Chop your veggies, grate your Parmesan, and even sear the chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, simply follow the recipe, starting with sautéing the onion and garlic.

Keep in mind that the orzo will absorb more of the sauce as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

How long does Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo last in the fridge? And how do I reheat it?

Leftover Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, you can use the microwave or a skillet on the stovetop. For the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

For the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Heat over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Are there any lighter substitutions I can make to this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo recipe?

Absolutely! You can lighten up the Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo without sacrificing too much flavor. Try using half and-half or even evaporated milk instead of heavy cream just be aware that the sauce won't be quite as rich. You could also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or use a lower fat Parmesan.

Adding some veggies like spinach or mushrooms will bulk up the dish and add nutrients.

My sauce isn't as creamy as I'd like it. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

A few things could cause a less than-creamy sauce. First, ensure you're using heavy cream, as it has a higher fat content which contributes to the creamy texture. Also, don't overcook the orzo if it releases too much starch, it can thicken the sauce excessively and make it gummy rather than creamy.

If your sauce is already not creamy enough, try stirring in a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese or cream cheese at the end for extra richness. A little butter can also help smooth it out.

Can I add vegetables to this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo? What veggies would work best?

Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutrition and flavor of your Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo. Spinach, peas, and sun-dried tomatoes are classic choices that work really well. You could also try sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

For heartier veggies like broccoli or carrots, you might want to blanch or roast them slightly before adding them to the orzo, to ensure they're cooked through.

I don't have orzo pasta. What can I substitute in this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo recipe?

No orzo, no worries! You can easily substitute other small pasta shapes, like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times. You could even use risotto rice (Arborio) for an even creamier outcome.

The key is to choose a pasta that’s small enough to cook quickly and evenly in the sauce.