Description
Tender Chicken Orzo with Parmesan is a creamy, comforting one-pan dish featuring bite-sized chicken pieces sautéed to golden perfection and combined with tender orzo pasta, rich Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream. This Italian-inspired meal comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season them with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing their aroma.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often to lightly toast the pasta, which enhances its flavor.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the orzo simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is creamy, heated through, and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a shortcut, substitute the cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken.
- Add fresh spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of vegetables and color.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish.
- Low-sodium chicken broth lets you control the salt level more precisely.
