Description
This Delicate Parmesan Chicken Orzo in Creamy Sauce is a one-pot wonder with tender chicken, silky orzo pasta, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Elegant yet easy, it’s perfect for a cozy night in or an effortless dinner party.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot or 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Sauté shallot until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add orzo and toast 1 minute. Pour in broth and cream, bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Parmesan and cooked chicken. Adjust consistency with extra broth or cream if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add lemon juice if using. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Add spinach or peas in the final minutes for extra color and nutrients.
- Use lemon zest and juice for brightness.
- Use stock instead of broth for deeper flavor.
- Store in fridge and reheat with a splash of liquid to keep creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
