Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all coated in a rich and cheesy Parmesan cream sauce. This one-pan skillet meal combines the creaminess of heavy cream and cheeses with Italian seasoning to create a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
Cream Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and drained orzo to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken and pasta evenly in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Parmesan chicken and orzo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning as desired.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked before combining to avoid any pinkness inside.
- Choose high-quality orzo pasta for optimal texture and flavor.
- Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain sauce consistency.
- Pair with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, and a cold beer or white wine for a complete meal experience.
