Name: ONE-PAN Creamy Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ onion, finely chopped; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2½ cups chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup fresh spinach or ½ cup peas (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This ONE-PAN Creamy Chicken Orzo is the kind of meal I love making when I want something quick, comforting, and full of flavor — without a sink full of dishes. Juicy, seasoned chicken and tender orzo come together in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, all made in a single skillet. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. Everything cooks in one pan, which means the orzo absorbs all the flavor from the chicken and seasonings while becoming perfectly creamy — almost like a shortcut risotto. The texture is rich, the chicken stays tender, and the whole dish comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and made with simple pantry ingredients I usually have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Orzo pasta
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh spinach or peas (optional, for color and freshness)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear it in olive oil in a large skillet until golden and cooked through. I set it aside on a plate.
In the same pan, I add a bit more oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
I stir in the orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes to build flavor.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally as the orzo cooks and absorbs the liquid — about 10 minutes.
Once the orzo is nearly tender, I stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, then add the cooked chicken back to the pan.
I let everything simmer together for a few more minutes until creamy and fully heated through.
If I’m adding spinach or peas, I stir them in at the end and let them wilt or warm.
I finish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook — so I’ve got a complete dinner ready in just over 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of white wine to the pan after sautéing the garlic and onions for extra depth. I’ve also made it with mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and flavor. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of cream. And if I want to make it extra cheesy, I stir in a bit of mozzarella or cream cheese along with the Parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture. It reheats well and makes great lunches the next day.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I often use leftover rotisserie chicken — I just skip the searing step and stir it in during the final few minutes to heat through.

What can I use instead of orzo?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, pearl couscous, or even rice can work, though the cooking time and liquid amount may need adjusting.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, I’ve used a mix of milk and a bit of butter or even Greek yogurt for a lighter, creamy result.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s mild, creamy, and comforting — and I can sneak in extra veggies like peas or finely chopped spinach without complaints.

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t usually freeze creamy pasta dishes because the texture can change, but if I do, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with added cream or broth.

Conclusion

ONE-PAN Creamy Chicken Orzo is one of my favorite comfort food meals — quick to make, packed with flavor, and easy to clean up. It’s rich, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to whatever I have in the kitchen. Whether I’m cooking for family, friends, or just myself, this dish always delivers comfort in a bowl.