Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless
skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- to tasteSalt & pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tbsp butter
divided
- 1 onion
diced
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken stock
plus extra if substituting for wine
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
grated
- Fresh parsley
for garnish, optional
Directions
- 1
Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in a mixture of flour and dried parsley. This light coating will give the chicken a lovely golden crust and help thicken the sauce later.
- 2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside on a plate; you’ll add it back in later.
- 3
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add diced onion, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic, stirring for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics build a delicious flavor base for your sauce.
- 4
Stir in the dry orzo, letting it absorb some of the flavors from the onions and garlic. Pour in either the white wine or an additional ½ cup of chicken stock and cook for a minute, allowing the orzo to toast lightly. Then add the remaining chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 5
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. The sauce will begin to thicken as the orzo cooks, creating that irresistibly creamy texture.
- 6
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, allowing it to heat through and soak up some of the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, indulgent meal without a sink full of dishes? This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is your answer, offering rich flavors and a velvety texture in one convenient pan.
This dish truly shines as a "one-pan wonder," simplifying weeknight cooking while delivering impressive results. It marries the tender juiciness of seared chicken with a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, all perfectly absorbed by the tender orzo, making for a truly satisfying experience.
Prepare for a warm, cozy embrace on a plate. You'll experience perfectly tender chicken complemented by an incredibly rich, velvety sauce infused with aromatic garlic and onion, clinging beautifully to every grain of orzo pasta. Each spoonful offers a delightful blend of textures and deeply satisfying, savory flavors, making it feel like an indulgent treat that's surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are specified, feel free to experiment with thinly sliced chicken thighs for added richness. For an herb variation, you can increase the fresh parsley garnish or even stir some into the sauce before serving for a brighter flavor. If you find yourself without Parmesan cheese, a good quality Grana Padano can offer a similar nutty, salty profile.
This creamy orzo dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or for impressing guests with minimal effort. Serve it hot, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every bit of that delightful sauce.