If you love comforting one-pot meals that feel elegant yet require minimal effort, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo is the perfect recipe to add to your weekly rotation. Tender bites of chicken, creamy Parmesan-enriched orzo, and fragrant garlic come together to create a dish that is warm, silky, and deeply satisfying. I first made this on a chilly weeknight when I wanted something rich but not too heavy, and it exceeded every expectation. The orzo cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors and giving the dish a wonderfully velvety texture. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it simmered for hours—even though it comes together quickly in a single pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo blends the heartiness of a chicken-and-pasta dish with the comforting creaminess of a risotto-style meal. You’ll love how the orzo becomes beautifully tender while soaking up the garlic-infused broth. The Parmesan adds depth and richness without overpowering, and the entire dish cooks in one skillet—making cleanup effortless. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner, a make-ahead meal, or a cozy dish for entertaining, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and simplicity.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo – Rich, Cozy & One-Pot Delicious
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A rich and comforting one-pan creamy garlic parmesan chicken orzo made with tender chicken, toasted orzo, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the skillet, then sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is tender, reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix well until creamy.
- Add spinach if using and cook until wilted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast or thighs – Tender, mild, and perfect for quick cooking.
Orzo pasta – Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and becomes wonderfully creamy.
Olive oil or butter – Adds richness and helps brown the chicken.
Garlic – The star aromatic that gives the dish its signature flavor.
Chicken broth – Infuses the orzo with savory depth as it cooks.
Heavy cream or half-and-half – Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor that melts into the sauce.
Onion – Builds a subtle sweetness and forms the base of the dish.
Italian seasoning – Gives the dish warm, herb-forward notes.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning each element.
Spinach (optional) – Adds color, nutrients, and freshness.
Fresh parsley – Brightens the dish just before serving.
Directions
Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, followed by chopped onion. Sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo and toast lightly for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the orzo begins to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the heavy cream and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold in spinach if using. Simmer briefly until heated through and spinach is wilted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve warm with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Large skillet or sauté pan
Cutting board and knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle or serving spoon
Cheese grater
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cooking takes 20 minutes, and total time is approximately 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s silkiness. Avoid freezing, as the cream can separate.
Variations and Customizations
Lemon Herb Orzo – Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Orzo – Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy richness.
Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato – Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Cheesy Trio Version – Add mozzarella or fontina for extra creaminess.
Cajun Chicken Orzo – Season the chicken with Cajun spices for a spicy twist.
Pesto Chicken Orzo – Add a spoonful of basil pesto for herby depth.
Vegetable-Packed Version – Add peas, broccoli, or asparagus.
Low-Carb Swap – Replace orzo with riced cauliflower for a lighter option.
Bacon Lover’s Orzo – Add crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
Cream Cheese Finish – Add cream cheese for an ultra-rich sauce.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—stir it in near the end to warm through.
Can I substitute the cream?
Half-and-half works well; milk will yield a lighter sauce.
Does the orzo need to be cooked first?
No, it cooks directly in the broth.
How do I keep the orzo from sticking?
Stir frequently during simmering.
Can I use gluten-free orzo?
Yes—just adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
A splash of white wine adds great depth before adding broth.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—skip the chicken and use vegetable broth.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely—this dish works with almost any vegetable.
Should the sauce be thick or loose?
It should be creamy but spoonable; add broth if it thickens too much.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a larger skillet to accommodate the liquid.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo is everything you want in a cozy one-pot meal: rich, creamy, flavorful, and unbelievably comforting. With tender chicken, velvety orzo, and fragrant garlic throughout, it’s a satisfying dish that feels indulgent while remaining wonderfully simple. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.
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