Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is a comforting one-pan dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts, tender orzo, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. This easy skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights and elegant enough for guests. A hearty and creamy chicken pasta dish that delivers bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
6. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Cook orzo for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
8. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
9. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens to desired consistency.
10. Slice or cube cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
11. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes, then top with chopped parsley.
12. Serve hot, optionally with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Toasting the orzo enhances its flavor and keeps it from getting mushy.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and avoids a grainy texture.
If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg