Description
Tender Chicken Orzo with Parmesan is a creamy and comforting Italian-American skillet meal featuring bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken cooked with orzo pasta in a savory blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. This easy one-pan dinner is perfect for a flavorful and satisfying weeknight dinner, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil and Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast it and enhance its flavor.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to create a creamy sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine all ingredients. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For added vegetables, stir in fresh spinach, peas, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes at the end of cooking.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter, lower-fat option.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result, or chicken breasts for leaner protein.
- Make sure to stir the orzo frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
