There’s just something so comforting about creamy dishes, isn’t there? They wrap you up like a warm hug on a chilly evening. My Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is a dish that embodies that warmth perfectly! It combines tender chicken with a luscious creamy sauce and orzo pasta that just dances on your taste buds. I can still remember the first time I made this for my family; it was an instant hit! Everyone gathered around the table, and the smiles were priceless. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll find it becomes a beloved staple in your home too. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memory waiting to happen!

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Prepare Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo! It’s seriously simple, and I promise it’ll be a game-changer for your weeknight dinners.

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

First things first, grab your skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it to get nice and glistening, just shimmering a bit before you add the chicken. This helps to get that beautiful golden color on your chicken, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Now, season those chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is ready, place the chicken in the skillet. Let it cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink in the center and has that delicious, crispy exterior.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for just about a minute—trust me, you don’t want to overcook it! Garlic can go from perfectly fragrant to burnt in a heartbeat, and we want to keep that lovely flavor.

Step 4: Add Chicken Broth and Orzo

Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic begins! Stir in the orzo pasta and let it cook for about 9-10 minutes or until it’s al dente, absorbing all that yummy broth flavor. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick!

Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Cheese

Once the orzo is cooked, it’s time to make it creamy! Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s all combined, and you’ll see that lovely creamy texture come to life. Yum!

Step 6: Return Chicken to Skillet

Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it right into that creamy goodness. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you uncover it, you’ll be greeted with a dish that’s just bursting with flavor!

Tips for Success

To really elevate your Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo, always use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh chicken, real Parmesan, and just-minced garlic make a world of difference in flavor! Also, don’t rush the cooking process. Give your chicken time to get that golden sear; it adds a lovely depth to the dish. And remember to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking, and feel free to add a splash of lemon juice at the end for a little brightness. Oh, and if you want an extra creamy finish, stir in a bit more cream right before serving—delicious!

Nutritional Information

Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so take this as an estimate! For one serving of my Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo, you can expect approximately:

• Calories: 600
• Fat: 30g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 2g

This dish is not only comforting but packs in a good amount of protein to keep you satisfied! Enjoy every creamy bite guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is fantastic, you can substitute it with any small pasta like ditalini or even rice if you’re in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk. Just be aware that the sauce may be less rich, but it’ll still be delicious!

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to let it cool and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What can I add for extra flavor?
Feel free to toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes when you add the cream and cheese for an extra pop of flavor and color!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• The creamy texture is simply irresistible and oh-so-comforting.
• Loaded with flavor thanks to the rich Parmesan and garlic.
• Customizable—add your favorite veggies or herbs for a personal touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is super easy! Just let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up a bit, as it may thicken in the fridge. Stir occasionally until warmed through, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you, just like the first time!

For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this creamy chicken recipe or this mushroom chicken dish.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo: 5 Steps to Comfort

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• Autor: Julia marin
• Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
• Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
• Dieta: Bez Glutenu

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Opis

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with creamy sauce and orzo pasta.

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Składniki

Skala 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instrukcje

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in orzo and cook until al dente.
7. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until combined.
8. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook until chicken is fully cooked through.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Uwagi

• Use low-sodium chicken broth for less salt.
• Substitute heavy cream with a lighter option if desired.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
• Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
• Kategoria: Main Course
• Sposób: Stovetop
• Kuchnia: Italian

Zasilanie

• Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
• Kalorie: 600
• Cukier: 2g
• Sód: 800mg
• Kwasy: 30g
• Nasycony tłuszcz: 15g
• Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
• Tłuszcze trans: 0g
• Węglowodany: 50g
• Włókno: 2g
• Białko: 40g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Słowa kluczowe: creamy parmesan chicken, orzo, chicken recipe, Italian cuisine