Name: One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo, all in one pan. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — minimal prep, fewer dishes, and incredible flavor. The creamy sauce, made with chicken broth, garlic, and Parmesan, binds the orzo and chicken together in a rich, flavorful harmony. It’s a great weeknight meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, without all the fuss. Plus, the fact that it’s made in one pan means cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Make it creamy: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and the sauce is creamy.
Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to make the dish even heartier.
Swap the chicken: Use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier option or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free option, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much while stored.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta like ditalini or elbows, though cooking time may vary slightly.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make this dish ahead and store it in the fridge. Just be aware that the orzo may absorb more sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

3. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the dish.

4. Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.

5. What can I add to make this dish spicier?

For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper to the garlic while sautéing.

6. Can I make this dish without Parmesan cheese?

Yes, if you don’t have Parmesan or want to skip the cheese, you can omit it or use another cheese of your choice, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients. Just be sure to use a larger skillet to accommodate the increased volume.

8. Can I make this without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or another cooking fat of your choice.

9. How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?

Make sure to monitor the cooking time and avoid overcooking the orzo. It should be tender but not overly soft, and most of the liquid should be absorbed.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat on low heat, adding more broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.

Conclusion

One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo is an easy, one-pan meal that delivers rich, comforting flavors without a lot of cleanup. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked orzo make this a dish everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a meal to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavor — what’s not to love?

One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo

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One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo—all in one pan. With minimal prep and cleanup, this flavorful meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce brings everything together in a rich harmony.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined and the sauce is creamy.
Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, stir to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately

Notes

Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a heartier dish.
Swap chicken for boneless thighs for a juicier option, or try shrimp for a seafood twist.
For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free cream, and omit the Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.
Experiment with herbs such as basil, thyme, or rosemary for added flavor.