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ONE-PAN Creamy Chicken Orzo

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This ONE-PAN Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish made with juicy chicken, tender orzo, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce — all cooked in a single skillet. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

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)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
  3. Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is nearly tender.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then return the chicken to the skillet.
  6. Simmer for a few minutes until creamy and heated through.
  7. If using spinach or peas, stir them in at the end and let them wilt or warm through.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • Add a splash of white wine after sautéing onions and garlic for extra depth.
  • Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.
  • Mix in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or cream cheese for variation.
  • Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken to skip the searing step.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/one-pan-creamy-chicken-orzo/