Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Orzo Skillet is a comforting one-pan dinner that combines tender chicken, quick-cooking orzo pasta, and a rich, cheesy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers delicious, family-friendly flavors with easy prep and versatile ingredient options.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Pasta & Dairy
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
Aromatics & Fats
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (basil, thyme, oregano mix)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter if needed and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. This builds the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the dry orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the butter and oil. Toast slightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance nutty flavors and prevent sticking.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid clumping.
- Stir in Parmesan and Combine: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Slice or cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold back into the skillet to warm through.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a creamier sauce.
- Watch the orzo carefully during simmering to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to maintain juiciness.
- Deglaze the pan with some broth to scrape up browned bits for extra flavor.
- Stir the skillet often while simmering to prevent orzo from sticking or clumping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg