One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cooking Notes
5. Variations
6. Keto and Low-Carb Versions
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. Conclusion

Looking for an easy, comforting, and delicious dinner that only requires one pan? One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo is the answer! This dish is the epitome of a hearty, home-cooked meal that is both creamy and satisfying. With tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish comes together in no time—and the best part is, there’s minimal cleanup!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Everything cooks in one pan, so you don’t need to worry about multiple pots and pans. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this creamy chicken orzo is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s get started with this easy and delicious one-pan meal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

For the Creamy Sauce & Orzo:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the sauce)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if necessary. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Cook the Orzo

Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This will enhance the flavor and help prevent the orzo from becoming mushy.

4. Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits from the chicken. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Slice the Chicken

While the orzo is cooking, slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

6. Combine and Serve

Once the orzo is cooked and the sauce has thickened, add the sliced chicken back into the pan. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is well coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

7. Enjoy!

Serve your One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo hot, paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness in every bite!

Cooking Notes

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful dish. If you use thighs, be sure to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Make it Spicy: For a spicy twist, you can add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top before serving will also add a nice kick.
• Creamy Sauce: The sauce can be adjusted to suit your preference. If you like a thicker sauce, reduce the broth by a 1/4 cup. For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
• Orzo Tips: Stir the orzo occasionally to prevent sticking, and make sure the liquid is sufficient to cook it through. You can always add more broth or cream if needed.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, stir in some spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes when you add the broth and cream. These veggies will blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce and add more texture to the dish.
• Lemon Chicken Orzo: For a fresh, zesty twist, add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the sauce just before serving. This will brighten up the flavors and give the dish a light, citrusy lift.
• Pesto Chicken Orzo: Stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto after the orzo is cooked for a herby, vibrant version of this dish.
• Cheese Variations: You can switch up the Parmesan for other cheeses like mozzarella, asiago, or pecorino. For a creamier result, try adding a bit of cream cheese to the sauce mixture.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this dish, consider these substitutions:

• Orzo Substitute: Swap the orzo for cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles for a low-carb alternative that still absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Cream Option: Use heavy cream as called for in the recipe to keep the sauce rich and low in carbs.
• Chicken: You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful, keto-friendly option. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?

While orzo works best for this recipe due to its small size and quick cooking time, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even elbow macaroni. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and prepare the creamy orzo mixture. Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce in a skillet, then add the sliced chicken and cook until heated through.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

While orzo dishes can be tricky to freeze due to the creamy sauce, it is possible to freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or cream if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Can I Make This Dish Without Cream?

If you want to make a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. However, the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a tablespoon of butter can help retain some of the richness.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in vegetables like spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or peas during the cooking process. These will blend beautifully with the creamy sauce and add extra flavor and nutrients.

One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a comforting, flavorful meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. This dish delivers creamy goodness, savory chicken, and perfectly cooked orzo all in one pan. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and the best part—it’s incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or serving guests, this meal is sure to impress. Give it a try tonight, and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of this one-pan wonder!

Let me know if you’d like any changes or additions to the recipe!