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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Chicken

A close-up of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Chicken served in a white bowl, garnished with parsley.
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Make this rich and savory Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Chicken. This recipe delivers a restaurant-style texture using simple steps for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  4. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-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.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, butter, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat everything in the sauce.
  9. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce, let the orzo simmer uncovered for the last few minutes to allow more liquid to evaporate.
  • To prevent the orzo from clumping, stir frequently while the broth is absorbing.
  • Add 1 cup of fresh spinach or 1/2 cup of drained sun-dried tomatoes during the last step with the chicken for added flavor and color.

Nutrition

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