Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo – Best Dinner Idea Ever

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: tender chicken simmering in a rich, creamy sauce, with orzo pasta soaking up all that cheesy goodness. Fresh Veggie Pasta Salad The moment you take your first bite, it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, promising a delightful experience that keeps you coming back for more.

This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s a nostalgic journey to family dinners where laughter echoes and stories are shared. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo always steals the show. Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!

I still remember the first time I made Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, claiming it was “life-changing”!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully; it’s perfect for our creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: For that luscious creaminess that makes this dish so irresistible; don’t skimp on quality! No-Bake Peanut Butter Easter Eggs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts wonderfully and elevates the flavor profile.
• Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for an aromatic kick; it adds depth to the entire dish. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth gives the right balance without overpowering the other flavors.
• Spinach (optional): Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients; toss some in for extra green goodness.
• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps in sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those delicious flavors; season to taste!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

First things first: let’s prepare our star ingredient—chicken!

Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Sauté the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. The aroma will be heavenly!

Add Garlic: Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—being careful not to burn it!

Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in orzo pasta along with chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cover the pan, cooking until orzo is tender—around 10-12 minutes.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat and pour in heavy cream while stirring gently. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Toss in Spinach: Finally, fold in fresh spinach if using, letting it wilt into that beautiful creamy mixture. Cook just until heated through.

Now you’re ready to serve this delightful dish! Plate up generous portions of Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo—dinner is officially served! You can garnish with extra Parmesan or even some fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

As you dig into this creamy goodness, savor every bite knowing you’ve created something truly extraordinary!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first in a hot skillet, then cook the orzo while preparing the creamy sauce. This sequence ensures everything finishes cooking simultaneously, allowing for maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Experiment with herbs like basil or thyme to customize flavors that suit your taste buds. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring back creaminess.

Cooking this dish reminds me of my friend’s dinner party where I accidentally spilled wine on my favorite shirt. Thankfully, the creamy Parmesan aroma wafting from the kitchen made up for my fashion faux pas!

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat orzo instead?

Yes, whole wheat orzo works perfectly and adds more fiber to your meal.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for creaminess without dairy. For more inspiration, check out this Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.

What protein substitutes work well?

Try using shrimp or tofu as delicious alternatives to chicken in this recipe.

Print

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken simmered in a luscious creamy sauce with orzo pasta, soaking up all the cheesy goodness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender.
4. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Fold in fresh spinach if using, allowing it to wilt slightly before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stovetop.