Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo is a rich, one-pan comfort meal made with tender chicken, garlic, creamy sauce, and soft orzo pasta. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh spinach or peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in orzo and toast lightly for 1 minute.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
7. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
8. Return chicken to the pan and mix well.
9. Add spinach or peas if using and cook until tender.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning.
11. Serve warm with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Add spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Do not overcook the orzo to keep it creamy, not mushy.
- Pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg