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Creamy Orzo With Chicken Recipe

Creamy Orzo With Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 16 reviews

Creamy Orzo With Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender diced chicken, toasted orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy-to-make one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, featuring a savory blend of garlic, chicken broth, and fresh parsley for garnish. Optional peas add a pop of color and sweetness, making this dish both delicious and visually appealing.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo and Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup frozen peas (optional)

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering to prepare for cooking the chicken and garlic.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the hot skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta, mixing it well with the garlic and remaining oil. Toast the orzo lightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
  5. Incorporate the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook the Orzo: Let the orzo cook in the simmering broth for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender but not mushy.
  7. Create the Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and blends well, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
  8. Combine Chicken and Peas: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. If using, stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, warming everything thoroughly and allowing the peas to become tender.
  9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add additional salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but sauce may be less rich.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stove or microwave.
  • For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast respectively.
  • If you prefer more protein, add an extra half pound of chicken or substitute with turkey breast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Orzo, Chicken Orzo, One-Pan Meal, Parmesan Sauce, Easy Dinner Recipe, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/creamy-orzo-with-chicken-recipe/