Make this rich and satisfying one-pot meal featuring tender chicken mixed into creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan orzo pasta.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together until the chicken is coated and the dish is heated through.
Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
If the orzo becomes too thick while cooking, add a splash more broth or water to reach your desired creamy consistency.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect creaminess.