Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo - Deliciously Comforting and Easy!

Name: Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo - Deliciously Comforting and Easy!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Orzo and Sauce:; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 3 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; For the Vegetables:; 1 cup baby spinach; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; For Garnish:; 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Fresh basil leaves; Black pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional)

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked orzo pasta swimming in a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce that's both comforting and sophisticated. The chicken is seasoned and seared to golden perfection, then combined with orzo pasta that cooks directly in a luxurious cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Each forkful delivers the perfect balance of protein and pasta coated in a silky sauce that's rich enough to feel indulgent yet light enough for any night of the week. This one-pan wonder makes cleanup a breeze while delivering restaurant-quality flavors that will impress the whole family. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and universal appeal - it's elegant enough for entertaining yet easy enough for busy weeknight dinners. The orzo absorbs all the wonderful flavors while maintaining its tender texture, creating a creamy, risotto-like consistency that's absolutely irresistible. Garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan, this comforting meal transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special.

Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Baking Tips

Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking

Don't overcook chicken to keep it tender and juicy

Stir orzo frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture

Add cream cheese for extra richness and smoothness

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

Serve immediately while creamy and hot

Add extra broth if mixture becomes too thick

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo - Deliciously Comforting and Easy!

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Orzo and Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

3 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables:

1 cup baby spinach

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

For Garnish:

1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Fresh basil leaves

Black pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add orzo pasta and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast.

Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently.

Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and basil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until cream cheese is melted.

Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Return cooked chicken to the pan along with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until spinach wilts.

Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh Parmesan, parsley, and basil. Add black pepper and red pepper flakes if desired.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo - Deliciously Comforting and Easy!

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo - Deliciously Comforting and Easy!

Ingredients

Instructions