Description
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with garlic, spinach, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that combines rich flavors with a creamy texture everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta & Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the orzo: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Create the sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Then add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, stirring gently to combine.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and gently toss them in the creamy Parmesan sauce to coat evenly.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and orzo mixture. Optionally, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best taste and creaminess.
- Make sure not to overcook the orzo to keep it al dente.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed after combining the sauce.
- This recipe can be prepared in one skillet to minimize cleanup.
