Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces with al dente orzo pasta, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy cream sauce made from Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
Cream Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is softened and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the sauces combine smoothly and thicken slightly.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and drained orzo pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the chicken and pasta are well coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning if desired.
- Suggested Sides: Consider pairing with a fresh green salad dressed in vinaigrette, garlic bread, or enjoy with a cold beer or a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to avoid any pinkness; using chicken tenders may require less cooking time.
- Use a good quality orzo pasta for best texture and flavor.
- Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month.
- When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out.
