This Creamy Chicken Orzo Is Pure Comfort in One Pan

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Creamy Chicken Orzo was the first dinner I cooked on a rainy Tuesday when I needed warmth fast. The steam curled up from the skillet, carrying the scent of garlic and simmering broth, and the orzo softened into something luxuriously comforting. That first bite—creamy, savory, and deeply cozy—made it an instant repeat in my kitchen. This dish has since become my go-to chicken and orzo dinner, especially when life is busy, but comfort still matters. I shared it with friends, tweaked it for family nights, and now it lives proudly on RecipesLace as a dependable, soul-soothing favorite.

This creamy chicken and orzo recipe delivers tender chicken, silky sauce, and pasta that looks like rice all in one pan. It’s cozy, weeknight-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, whether you’re craving a one pot creamy chicken orzo or a simple skillet dinner.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What Is Creamy Chicken Orzo?

Creamy Chicken Orzo is an orzo chicken recipe where small pasta simmers directly in broth and cream, absorbing flavor as it cooks. The result is a comforting, spoonable dish similar to risotto, and one of the most loved creamy orzo recipes with chicken.

Why You’ll Love It

This weeknight chicken orzo balances rich comfort with easy preparation. The creamy orzo chicken base feels indulgent without fuss, making it ideal for busy evenings.

• Quick to make
• Healthy flavor
• Flexible ingredients
• Meal-prep friendly
• Kid-friendly
• Budget-friendly

Reader Questions You May Have

• Is orzo really pasta that looks like rice?
• Can I make creamy chicken orzo bake ahead?
• Does chicken orzo cooked in broth stay creamy?
• Can this be a one-pan chicken orzo meal?

Ingredients (Short List)

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2½ cups chicken broth, warm (plus more as needed)
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or grated Parmesan

Quick Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sear until golden on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, keeping the heat at medium to avoid bitterness.
3. Cook the Orzo
   Stir the orzo pasta into the skillet, coating it well with the oil and aromatics. Pour in the warm chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Make It Creamy
   Once the orzo begins to soften (after about 6–7 minutes), stir in the heavy cream. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any resting juices.
5. Finish Cooking
   Continue simmering gently until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy and coats each grain. If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of warm broth to loosen it.
6. Season & Rest
   Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.
7. Serve
   Finish with seasoning, rest briefly, and serve hot—perfect alongside a dish like Chicken Piccata Pasta for an easy, comforting dinner pairing.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Healthy Twist

Swap half the cream for Greek yogurt and add spinach for creamy chicken orzo with spinach. Pair with a light veggie side like Broccoli Cheese Casserole.

Budget-Friendly Version

Use chicken thighs and frozen vegetables to stretch portions—ideal for an easy creamy chicken orzo week.

Kid-Friendly Option

Skip the herbs and add mild cheese for a softer flavor, similar to a cozy Chicken Pot Pie.

High-Protein Upgrade

Stir in extra chicken or white beans for a hearty creamy tuscan chicken orzo feel that keeps you full longer.

Tips

• Stir frequently so the orzo releases starch naturally.
• Warm broth before adding for a smoother texture.
• Taste near the end; orzo absorbs salt quickly.
• Let it rest for five minutes before serving to thicken perfectly.

Storage & Reheating

This creamy chicken orzo recipe reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.

For safe handling and reheating of cooked chicken dishes, follow the food safety guidelines recommended by the USDA.

FAQs

Nutrition

Approximate per serving: calories moderate, protein-rich from chicken, comforting carbs from orzo. Values vary by ingredients; enjoy in balance. For lighter options, see the Healthy Twist above or explore similar balanced meals on RecipesLace.

Creamy Chicken Orzo provides protein from chicken and satisfying carbohydrates from orzo, a balance commonly highlighted in nutrition education sources such as Healthline.

Final Notes

This creamy chicken and orzo dish is comfort you can count on—warm, familiar, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the recipe I reach for when I want dinner to feel like a hug.

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