Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
A delightful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with creamy orzo and rich Parmesan cheese, perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Pescatarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate the orzo and broth: Stir in the orzo pasta along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
- Create the creamy sauce: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until you achieve a creamy consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Ensure your chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. Keep an eye on the orzo while it’s simmering to prevent it from overcooking; it should be al dente.