Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
If you’re looking for a cozy and easy dinner, this creamy parmesan chicken and orzo is a perfect choice. It’s a one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, tender orzo pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. The whole dish is comforting, flavorful, and comes together in under 40 minutes.
This recipe feels fancy, but it’s simple enough for any night of the week. Plus, it’s a great way to make a hearty meal with just a few basic ingredients.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
This dish checks all the boxes for a weeknight win:
- ✅ One-pan meal = easy cleanup
- ✅ Creamy and cheesy comfort food
- ✅ Protein + pasta + veggies in one
- ✅ Perfect for the whole family
- ✅ Easy to reheat for leftovers
Once you try this creamy parmesan chicken and orzo, it will be in your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy parmesan chicken and orzo:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
This creamy parmesan chicken and orzo has simple ingredients but big flavor.
How to Make It
1. Cook the chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Cook the orzo
Stir in the orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes. Then pour in the chicken broth and stir. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender.
4. Make it creamy
Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add spinach, if using, and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
5. Add the chicken
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Let everything warm together for 2 minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Your creamy parmesan chicken and orzo is ready to eat rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Tips for the Best Results
- ✅ Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and taste
- ✅ Stir the orzo often to prevent sticking
- ✅ If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream
- ✅ Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
- ✅ Try adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
This creamy parmesan chicken and orzo is easy to tweak based on what you have in the kitchen.
Variations to Try
Want to switch it up? Try these ideas:
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo: Add lemon zest and juice for brightness
- Bacon Parmesan Orzo: Add crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor
- Broccoli Chicken Orzo: Stir in steamed broccoli with the spinach
- Spicy Chicken Orzo: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce
- Herb Parmesan Orzo: Stir in fresh basil, thyme, or parsley
No matter the variation, the creamy base makes this dish shine.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This creamy parmesan chicken and orzo is also great for meal prep.
To store:
Let it cool completely and place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
Warm gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creaminess.
To freeze:
You can freeze this dish, but the texture may change slightly due to the dairy.
What to Serve With It
This creamy dish is great on its own, but here are a few tasty sides:
- Garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls
- Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or glazed carrots
Anything light and fresh pairs well with this creamy parmesan chicken and orzo.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta dish. This creamy parmesan chicken and orzo brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta all in one pan. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying.
Whether you’re feeding your family or cooking for guests, this recipe is a guaranteed favorite. Try it tonight and see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser.
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