Description
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is a deliciously rich and comforting dish, featuring perfectly cooked chicken breasts served over creamy, cheesy orzo pasta. A blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan makes this dish irresistible. Quick to prepare, it’s a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Orzo:
-
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 cup orzo pasta
-
2 cups chicken broth
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
-
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
-
-
Cook the Orzo:
-
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast.
-
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broth is absorbed.
-
-
Make the Cream Sauce:
-
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
-
Combine and Serve:
-
Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place them on top of the creamy orzo. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
-
Notes
-
You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
-
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
-
Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the orzo for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian