Save A cozy, creamy skillet meal featuring golden seared chicken, tender orzo pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce—blending the comfort of garlic Parmesan chicken soup with the heartiness of chili mac.
Save This American-style main dish is designed for ease and comfort. By cooking everything in a single deep skillet, the orzo absorbs the savory chicken broth and the browned bits from the pan, resulting in a deeply flavorful and cohesive meal that is ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup (150 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1½ cups (270 g) orzo pasta
- 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (60 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 2
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then sauté onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 4
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 5
- Pour in the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Step 6
- Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 7
- Return the seared chicken (and any juices) to the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add spinach, if using.
- Step 8
- Simmer gently, stirring, until the sauce is creamy and chicken is heated through, 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 9
- Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To build a deeper flavor profile, ensure you toast the orzo until it is fragrant before adding the broth. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan carefully to incorporate the flavorful fond released during the chicken searing process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For additional nutrition, consider adding chopped mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions. You can also substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce, or swap the orzo for small pasta shapes like ditalini.
Serviervorschläge
This rich and creamy chicken dish pairs excellently with a crisp green salad to provide a fresh contrast, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a hearty and balanced dinner.
Save With its blend of classic Italian seasoning and a comforting cream sauce, this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it hot with a final sprinkle of Parmesan for the ultimate dining experience.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well in this dish. Cut them into bite-size pieces and adjust cooking time slightly—breasts cook faster than thighs, so reduce the initial searing time to about 4–5 minutes to prevent drying out.
- → What can I substitute for orzo pasta?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti work as substitutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape you choose.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it thickens when chilled. Microwave reheating also works—just cover and stir halfway through.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with white beans or chickpeas for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The garlic-Parmesan cream sauce remains just as flavorful and satisfying.
- → Why does the sauce need to simmer gently after adding cream?
Gentle simmering prevents the cream from separating or curdling while allowing the flavors to meld together. High heat can cause the dairy proteins to break down, resulting in a grainy texture rather than smooth creaminess.
- → Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas can be added when sautéing the onions. The spinach called for in the recipe adds color and nutrients, but other leafy greens like kale work well too—just add them a few minutes earlier to ensure they wilt properly.