Creamy Chicken and Orzo Dinner

There’s something so comforting about a creamy chicken dinner, don’t you think? It reminds me of family gatherings, where the aroma of dinner wafts through the house, drawing everyone to the table. This Creamy Chicken and Orzo Dinner is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy, delicious, and the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds. If you’re looking for a weeknight winner or a dish to impress friends, this is it.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Picture this: tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a luscious cream sauce that comes together in one pot. What could be better? This recipe is not just about comfort; it’s about simplicity and flavor. You’ll find that the ingredients meld beautifully, creating an irresistibly rich experience. The harmony of the Italian seasoning with garlic and onion gives it depth, while the cream adds that dreamy, velvety texture. Plus, it’s a wholesome meal that feels indulgent without being complicated. If you’re pinched for time but still want a meal that feels special, this dish checks all the boxes.

What’s even better? It’s versatile! You can customize it to suit your mood or ingredients on hand. Want to sneak in some veggies? Go for it! Substituting spinach or peas adds a pop of color and nutrition. You’ll appreciate how it fills the kitchen with love and warmth—trust me, this recipe will make its way into your regular rotation.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s ensure you have everything before jumping in.

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Opt for skinless chicken breasts for a lean, lean protein. If you’re a fan of dark meat, thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This will help in browning the chicken—essential for depth of flavor.
• 1 onion, chopped: The base of flavor in many dishes, onions add a sweetness that balances beautifully with the other ingredients.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the heart and soul of cooking; it brings a wonderful aroma that you simply can’t resist.
• 1 cup orzo pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the deliciousness of the broth and cream.
• 4 cups chicken broth: A good quality broth enhances the overall flavor. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought are both great choices.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the dish indulgently creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half can be a good alternative, though it will be less rich.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that captures that Mediterranean vibe, making this dish fragrant and comforting.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple, but don’t skip on seasoning; it elevates the dish.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a burst of color and fresh flavor—plus, it makes it look gourmet!

How this recipe comes together

Let’s get cooking! You’ll want to start with that lovely pot of olive oil.

1. Heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned. This is the moment you build your foundation of flavor, so give it a good stir.

2. Once the chicken is nice and golden, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent. This combination is what gives your dish that aromatic base that makes everyone curious about dinner.

3. Pour in the orzo pasta and the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, and just when you think about diving in, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Here’s a pro tip: keep an eye on it—stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick together.

4. When the orzo is tender, it’s time to stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it all to meld together beautifully. Just picture the creamy goodness enveloping every piece of chicken and orzo.

5. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving, allowing that splendor to shine on your plate!

Best way to enjoy it

Now comes the fun part—serving! Ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread on the side for sopping up all that creamy goodness. A light green salad drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and orzo too. It’s a full meal that feels like a warm invitation to indulge.

Storage and reheating tips

After all that deliciousness, you might have a bit left over (if you’re lucky!). To keep your leftovers fresh, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, feel free to freeze portions—but keep in mind the orzo may soak up some of the creaminess upon reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up again.

Extra tips and advice

If you’re looking to take this dish to the next level, try toasting the orzo briefly in the oil before adding the chicken broth. It enhances the nutty flavor and makes it even more delicious. Also, don’t hesitate to play around with the seasoning; fresh herbs like thyme or basil can lend a personal touch. For gluten-free eaters, you can swap out the orzo for gluten-free pasta or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? How about adding veggies to amp up the nutrition? Spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes can be delightful additions. You can also experiment with spices—maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Oh, and if you like it cheesy (who doesn’t?), adding a handful of grated Parmesan at the end can make it even more decadent.

Ingredients list

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken; cook until browned.
3. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add orzo pasta and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat; let simmer for 10 minutes or until orzo is tender.
6. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Common questions

• Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, feel free to use any small pasta if you don’t have orzo on hand. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose.

• Is this dish good for meal prep? Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

• How spicy is this recipe? It’s not spicy at all. If you want heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or sprinkle with pepper for a kick.

• Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk as a substitute for heavy cream.

• What other proteins could I use? You could use shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Embrace the kitchen, dive into this recipe banter, and make it your own. I can’t wait to hear how your journey with this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Dinner unfolds. Share your tips, ask questions, or even pass along your own twists in the comments! Here’s to delicious meals and the joy of cooking together!

Use Your Leftovers

Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:

Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

♻️ Uses leftover heavy cream96%

White Chicken Chili

♻️ Uses leftover chicken broth40%

Print Recipe

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Creamy Chicken and Orzo Dinner

Cuisine: Italian Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 480

Description

Creamy Chicken and Orzo Dinner is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, orzo, and a luscious cream sauce in one pot, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced (Opt for skinless for lean protein.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (Essential for browning chicken.)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (Adds sweetness and flavor.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Brings wonderful aroma.)
• 1 cup orzo pasta (Cooks quickly and absorbs flavors.)
• 4 cups chicken broth (Enhances overall flavor.)
• 1 cup heavy cream (Makes the dish creamy.)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (For a Mediterranean flavor.)
• to taste salt and pepper (Essential for seasoning.)
• to garnish fresh parsley, chopped (Adds color and flavor.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Cook Chicken

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken; cook until browned.
   This builds the foundation of flavor.
   Mark as complete

2. Add Aromatics

   Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
   This creates an aromatic base.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Pasta and Broth

   Add orzo pasta and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
   Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Cream and Seasoning

   When orzo is tender, stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
   Pairs well with crusty bread.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 480kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 20g100%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 90mg30%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 700mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 1g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 60 mg

Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Chicken, Orzo, Creamy, Dinner, One-Pot