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Creamy Parmesan Chicken Orzo Skillet

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Orzo Skillet
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Creamy Parmesan Chicken Orzo Skillet is a quick, comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken breasts, delicate orzo pasta, and a rich Parmesan cheese sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a creamy, velvety texture balanced with protein and veggies, perfect for busy weeknights or a fuss-free flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Pasta

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta

Dairy & Liquids

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced

Fats & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sauté the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits left by the chicken for added flavor.
  3. Cook the Orzo: Add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast it lightly with the aromatics for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the orzo cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Add Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously as the cheese melts, creating a creamy sauce that coats each grain of orzo.
  5. Finish and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and nestle it back into the skillet to warm through. Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
  • Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender with a slight bite.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or wine before adding orzo to lift flavorful bits.
  • Add the cream on low heat at the end to prevent curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Chicken, Orzo Skillet, One-Pan Dinner, Quick Weeknight Meal, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/creamy-parmesan-chicken-orzo-skillet/